Industrial Trades and Technology Education is a study of technology and industry, which provides an opportunity for students to learn about the processes and knowledge related to Industrial Trades and Technology that are needed to solve problems and extend human capabilities. The strength of Industrial Trades and Technology Education is that of a hands-on approach that adds an emphasis of the technological nature of life and industry. Nationally, the majority of industrial trade area employers report a huge shortage of skilled workers, with the prospects of filling thousands of current or new, well-paying jobs becoming a major crisis as new technologies emerge and current employees reach retirement age. (Montana OPI website)