Our country is experiencing a shortage of skilled tradesmen and women and the situation is expected to become worse before it gets better. Skilled trades include carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, roofers, construction workers, and many more. The shortage is partly attributed to an aging workforce and, in part, a need for more focus on the skilled trades as a viable career option for younger generations.
According to the Skillwork Forum, “For every five Baby Boomers that retire, only two candidates of younger generations are coming behind them.”
High schools often focus on preparing students for college rather than offering training in the trades as an option. That, along with societal pressure, often undervalues trade professions, leading to fewer young people choosing these career paths.
Interest in the trades is shifting in a positive direction, however. As the demand for skilled trades increases, so does the pay. According to a McKinsey & Company article, the market has raised average trade wages by more than 20 percent since the first quarter of 2020.
The high cost of higher education and the burden of student loan debt, coupled with an uptick in USA manufacturing and infrastructure development, could lead to a renewed interest in the skilled trades sector.
Local institutions are recognizing the demand, which could provide a middle ground option for students and apprentices who may want to work in the trades but receive a college degree or certificate. Rowan University and TradesFutures have partnered to offer Bachelor’s degrees and possible scholarships in Construction Management to registered apprentices and journeypersons. Rowan is offering a similar opportunity to apprentice electricians and technicians who work through the highly educated leaders at IBEW Local 98.
At DeSimone, we have an incredible amount of respect for our company and industry partner trades personnel. We’re excited to see that the future is bright for these hardworking individuals who offer their expertise, knowledge, and craftsmanship on a daily basis to help build a better future.
