It looks like schools providing trade and technical training are growing despite the current downturn.  Their revenues have grown at an average rate of 7.8% over the last 12 months compared to 5.9% in 2006 and 2007. 

 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Education Pays Survey), earnings increase substantially and unemployment decreases substantially with greater levels of education. It may be that people are looking to use trade and technical training to set themselves apart as candidates or even to change career paths in the current economic climate.

Below is the 2008 Sageworks ranking of the most profitable industries in the United States.  Companies in these industries have the highest net profit margins of all privately held companies over the last 12 months.  You may notice that 9 of the 10 industries are service providers and 4 are in the healthcare field.