September is the month to thank our nation’s tradespeople - it’s National Tradesmen Day on September 17 - and All-State Career School is proud to help train men and women who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Skilled workers maintain the fabric of our nation’s systems—our electrical grids, transportation, construction, water supplies, and roads and bridges. Without the skilled workers who maintain this vital infrastructure, these systems will suffer and decay.
Today, the US workforce of skilled tradesmen and women is aging. As more workers retire from the trades than enter them, the US runs the risk of not being able to attract replacement workers. The US may be facing a daunting skilled labor shortage – and this can mean career opportunity for those who develop the skills and know-how to become a skilled tradesperson.
The construction industry alone has 650,000 unfilled openings right now. The growing shortages in the trades mean employers are actively recruiting employees, and female employees are as welcome as men.
According to a new study by Stanley Black & Decker, just 16% of students are likely to seriously explore a career in the skilled trades, even though 85% of students think the trades have value.
A few reasons students don’t want to explore these fields include:
- Students have outmoded ideas of what the job involves and don’t realize that even in a challenging economy that jobs in the skilled trades are in demand.
- Most students have never had a meaningful career talk with a skilled trades professional, so students are often unfamiliar with the career pathways available to them.
- They may think the trades by-definition are dangerous, low-paid, and physically difficult.
- They underestimate the lifetime earning potential.
Demand for Workers
More than 700,000 jobs in design and construction alone are expected to open up through 2028. That also means people with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC expertise will be needed. Because the trades still tend to be heavily dominated by men, women don’t realize these careers are a viable option for them, but employers welcome female employees, as well.
Finally, 94% of current tradespeople say their jobs are in demand, with 89% reporting they work with technology. These fields require specialized skills and know-how. You’re not digging ditches.
For people who enjoy hands-on work, the skilled trades can offer a fulfilling career. If you’re interested in a career in electrical trades, HVAC-R, or welding, All-State Career School can help you with your next step. Click here for more information or call us today at (855) 834-4580 and speak to one of our career advisors counselors to find out where your program of interest is offered.