Real Talk Trade

Learning a trade is vital in today's economy because it offers a direct, fast-tracked path to high-demand, stable careers with lower debt compared to traditional degrees. With a significant portion of the workforce retiring, skilled trades—such as electrical, plumbing, and construction—face critical shortages, promising excellent job security, competitive salaries, and significant opportunities for advancement and entrepreneurship.

The U.S. faces a critical skilled trades shortage, with over 1 million, potentially up to 2 million, jobs unfilled by 2030, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades. Driven by an aging workforce, 40% of whom are over 45, and a,{" "}long-term cultural push for college degrees over vocational training, this gap causes project delays, drives up costs, and threatens infrastructure growth.

CAUSES:

The decline of high school vocational (shop) classes, a societal bias toward four-year degrees, and low initial wages for apprentices deter new talent.

SEVERE SHORTAGES:

Electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers are in highest demand, with the construction industry needing 500,000 additional workers.

OPPORTUNITY:

High demand has led to rising wages, with many trades offering lucrative salaries without

the burden of

student debt.

Industry Solutions and Outlook:

To combat the shortage, companies are increasingly focusing on offering competitive starting wages, signing bonuses, and improved training programs to attract younger workers, as noted by the PeopleReady analysis. Initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are boosting job creation in this sector.

Bringing building trades back to public education addresses critical skilled labor shortages, provides students with high-paying career paths without student debt, and fosters hands-on skills like carpentry, HVACR, and electrical work. It bridges the gap between school and industry, offering apprenticeships and boosting student confidence. job creation in this sector.

MWCOG RESPONSE