Demand for Transportation, Skilled Trade and Healthcare Professionals Projected to Continue in 2026
Rhea-AI Summary
Lincoln Educational Services (NASDAQ: LINC) highlights strong labor demand and expands campus presence as workforce needs grow in transportation, skilled trades and healthcare. BLS-linked projections show roughly 7.3 million hands-on positions through 2034, including 1.2M transportation and 4.2M healthcare support roles.
Lincoln operates 22 campuses in 12 states and announced new campuses in Houston, TX and Levittown, PA, positioning the school to train candidates for in-demand, hands-on careers in 2026.
Positive
- Market opportunity: 7.3M hands-on positions projected by 2034
- Transportation demand: 1.2M service technician roles projected by 2034
- Healthcare support roles: combined 4.2M projected job openings
- Geographic expansion: new campuses in Houston, TX and Levittown, PA
- Scale: operates 22 campuses in 12 states
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, LINC gained 0.19%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
LINC gained 1.29% with mixed peer moves: APEI was up 1.21%, KLC up 6.56%, while QSG and UDMY were down and GOTU was flat. Only one peer appeared on the momentum scanner, suggesting a stock-specific move rather than a broad sector shift.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10 | Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | +12.8% | Strong Q3 growth and raised full-year 2025 revenue and EBITDA guidance. |
| Nov 07 | Campus expansion | Positive | -0.1% | Announcement of new Rowlett, TX campus and long-term campus growth plan. |
| Oct 27 | Program launch | Positive | -1.1% | New Electrical/Electronic Systems program tied to projected NJ job openings. |
| Oct 27 | Earnings schedule | Neutral | -1.7% | Scheduling of Q3 2025 earnings release and conference call details. |
| Sep 18 | Campus milestone | Positive | +1.1% | 65th anniversary of Columbia, MD campus and local workforce demand highlights. |
Positive financial and expansion news has often aligned with gains, while some campus expansion and program launches saw muted or negative next-day reactions.
Over the last few months, LINC has highlighted strong growth and expansion. Q3 2025 results showed revenue of $141.4M (up 23.6%) with guidance raised toward $500–510M for 2025, which coincided with a 12.81% gain. Management has emphasized campus growth, including a new Houston campus, relocations, and the planned Rowlett, TX facility projected for Q1 2027. Additional news has focused on new programs and anniversaries. Today’s announcement extends this theme by emphasizing long-term labor demand in LINC’s core training areas.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights strong projected demand, with more than 7.3 million hands-on positions expected by 2034 in transportation, skilled trades and healthcare. It reinforces LINC’s strategy of expanding campuses and programs to align with these trends, consistent with prior news on new locations and program launches. Investors may watch how these macro projections translate into student starts, campus utilization and future financial results as disclosed in upcoming filings and earnings releases.
Key Terms
bureau of labor statistics regulatory
hvac technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
U.S. Department of Labor expects millions of positions to become available nationwide over the next decade.
Parsippany, NJ, Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ: LINC), a national leader in specialized technical training for 80 years, is expanding its presence across the country to address a growing shortage of skilled, trained workforce candidates. The latest figures from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) project more than 7.3 million hands-on positions will need to be filled in several key industries by 2034*, making 2026 an opportune time to begin building skills for these in-demand roles.
“Employers across the country consistently talk about the need for candidates with specialized technical skills,” says Scott Shaw, Lincoln Tech’s President and CEO. “In many industries, the opportunity to start a new career has never been greater. Candidates with hands-on skills and high-quality training are in demand no matter where you live, and Lincoln schools are proud to provide that training. Whether you want to turn your passion into a profession, or simply take your career in a new direction, Lincoln Tech is ready to help.”
The transportation industry is projected to add more than 1.2 million jobs for service technicians by 2034, including 700,000 automotive and 265,000 diesel/truck. Driven by advancements in on-board vehicle technology, hiring managers are seeking entry-level technicians who have been trained on the modern computerized systems behind everything from brakes and hydraulics to vehicle safety and emissions. The Collision Repair (146,000 jobs) and Heavy Equipment Maintenance (165,000 jobs) are also positioned for growth.
Anchored by the Electrical industry (more than 800,000 jobs projected), HVAC (401,000), Welding (456,000), and Computerized Machining and Manufacturing (135,000), the Skilled Trades are expected to offer nationwide opportunities for anyone looking to launch a hands-on career in a field not susceptible to AI. Residential and commercial service providers, construction companies, and expanding infrastructure projects ensure skilled, qualified candidates can have a range of employment possibilities when they enter their chosen field.
Lincoln Tech also collaborates with organizations and hiring managers across the healthcare sector. Support roles in medical assisting, practical nursing, dental assisting and patient care are adding a combined 4.2 million jobs – positions that are ideal for people with compassion, clinical skills and a drive to make a difference in the lives of their patients.
“A strong workforce is essential to the continued health of the American economy,” Shaw says. “Our partnerships and collaborations with employers in the transportation, healthcare and skilled trade sectors will help ensure that 2026 is a year of growth for job-seekers and organizations alike, as we’ve done since our founding 80 years ago.”
Lincoln schools across the country – including new campuses in Houston, TX and Levittown, PA – provide career training for these in-demand career fields. Since 1946 Lincoln Educational Services has worked to support individuals and organizations by helping to build a stronger, well-trained workforce and preparing students for careers that allow them to support their families and pursue their dreams. The latest BLS projections for 2026 show great potential for anyone looking to start on their road to a new career, and Lincoln Tech campuses are ready to assist.
* Career growth projections can be found at onetonline.org for the years 2024-2034 and are current as of January 26, 2026.
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About Lincoln Educational Services Corporation
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education. Lincoln offers recent high school graduates and working adults career-oriented programs in four principal areas of study: transportation, healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology. Lincoln has provided the workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946.
Lincoln currently operates 22 campuses in 12 states under 3 brands: Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Technical Institute, and Nashville Auto-Diesel College.
For more information, go to lincolntech.edu.
Scott Watkins, VP Marketing Lincoln Tech 973.766.9656 Swatkins@lincolntech.edu
FAQ
What workforce projections did Lincoln Educational Services cite for 2024-2034 and how do they affect LINC?
Which transportation job categories did Lincoln Educational Services highlight for growth and what are the numbers?
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What campus expansion did Lincoln Educational Services announce for 2026 and why does it matter for LINC students?
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