Since the Great Resignation, it has been challenging for the laptop class in the United States to find or hold onto their jobs, as the demand for white-collar workers is cooling. For young people deciding their future career paths or anyone looking to pivot, a career in the trades could be a viable option, especially as the U.S. faces a labor shortage of carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other skilled tradespeople, which could have serious implications for the economy.
“There are about 650,000 workers missing from the construction industry, and construction backlogs are now at a four-year high,” Maria Davidson, CEO and founder of Kojo, a materials management platform, told CNBC in an interview.
The heavy backlog means longer wait times for customers and an increased delay in earnings, as businesses fall behind on production.
Why There Is A Skilled Trades Labor Shortage
Data analysis from ZipRecruiter found that the number of applicants for construction jobs online plummeted by about 40% between 2019 and 2020 and has remained stagnant ever since, NPR reported.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 40% of workers in this sector are over the age of 45. With nearly half of tradespeople approaching retirement age, there needs to be a pipeline of new skilled workers entering the industry.
One major catalyst for the labor shortage in this sector is the perception that in order to be successful in America, you must pursue a college degree. This has led to a de-emphasis on vocational trade education and a lack of respect for blue-collar jobs.
A survey by Thumbtack, an online technology services marketplace that connects consumers with local professionals for various home improvement services, reveals that for 32% of young adults, shop class was not offered in their high school curriculum. Moreover, 59% of skilled tradespeople felt influenced to attend a four-year college, due to family or societal pressure, while 89% of the survey respondents believe that kids are wrongfully taught to believe that receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree is the only path to success.
For Your Consideration
Americans should be taking advantage of potentially lucrative and rewarding career opportunities in the trades. These in-demand jobs offer high wages, attractive benefits, including pension plans, and opportunities for advancement.
Skilled trade workers also report high job satisfaction and said they would choose the same career again (87%), according to the Thumbtack. Ninety-four percent of respondents indicated that they would encourage their children or family members to enter the skilled trades.
Here are some additional survey findings:
- Ninety-five percent feel secure in their job and don’t perceive artificial intelligence as a threat to their job security.
- Ninety-five percent are optimistic about their earning potential, while 93% feel positively about career growth opportunities.
- Ninety-two percent are hopeful about upskilling and technological advancement in their trade.
Other Benefits Of A Career In The Skilled Trades
“There’s never been a better time to enter the trades, and as a generation shaped by the pandemic and gig economy, Gen-Z are uniquely suited to a profession that offers flexibility and independence,” said Marco Zappacosta, CEO and cofounder of Thumbtack. “With a lower barrier to entry than in the past and incredible demand for people to fill these roles, expertise in the trades is a future-proof career.”
A career in the skilled trades offers a more flexible work schedule, a faster educational track that is less expensive compared to a four-year degree, quicker entry into the labor force and the autonomy of being your own boss. There is also a significant financial incentive to join the trades.
“They’re making more money,” said Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs and strategic initiatives at Associated General Contractors of America. “The construction industry is now paying 80% more than the average non-farm job in the United States.”
Source: Forbes
