Hands-on work has been a viable career path for hundreds of years. From blacksmiths to homebuilders, skilled trade workers helped build our modern world. Today, there’s a common misconception that technology has minimized the value of skilled trades. Sure, artificial intelligence, application development, and other jobs in the digital realm are hot today. But the truth is, these types of jobs receive so much attention that industries across the board face a growing gap in skilled labour.
Far from being placed on the sidelines of history, trade workers have a wealth of opportunities. According to some estimates, America needs more than half a million new construction workers. The manufacturing industry expects at least two million jobs to remain unfilled by 2030. The workforce needs more carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, and heavy equipment operators — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Recent high school graduates, veterans seeking post-military careers, and those simply looking for a career change should take note. The skilled trades workforce gap is very real, creating a new pathway for career seekers.
The Opportunity in Skilled Trades
The number of skilled trade workers has been declining for decades. Part of the reason why is that many generations in a row grew up thinking this type of work is too physically demanding and the pay is too low. Starting in the mid-1960s, federal grants and student loan programs made college a reality for a broader range of high school graduates, sending more of them into white-collar work. These and other factors reached a tipping point once Gen Z started to enter the workforce.
Between 2020 and 2022, the rate at which Gen Z applied for trade careers dropped a staggering 49% compared to prior generations at the same age. What was once a massive shortage in skilled trade labour is now a full-on crisis. A report from the Federal Reserve found the growing workforce gap is actually stunting the US economy. Without an adequate workforce, new construction projects and developments take much longer to complete — or they don’t even get started.
The bright side of this situation is that skilled trade workers are in such high demand that they will enjoy long-term job stability. As various industries continue to rely on their expertise, the need for skilled labour will only increase.
Contrary to the long-held belief that the trades offer back-breaking work for little pay, today’s compensation packages meet or exceed those of many office jobs. Comprehensive benefits packages are now the norm, with healthcare, generous PTO policies, and even retirement plans. And for those who stick with it, plenty of career advancement opportunities exist.
Why Career Seekers Should Consider Skilled Trades
While the compensation and benefits available today might surprise you, there are even more reasons career seekers should consider the skilled trades. High school graduates, for instance, can skip the debt that comes with four-year degrees and take a direct path into a rewarding career. Apprenticeship programs and vocational training provide opportunities for hands-on learning that are rare in other fields.
Workers looking for a career change have a lot to gain, too. Problem-solving skills, leadership, and other traits that come with experience are highly valued in the trades. In particular, those looking for post-military careers will have transferable skills they learned in their service. In a way, trade work is another form of service, as construction and other development projects directly benefit society.
Skilled Trades vs. Remote/Hybrid Careers
Remote and hybrid work arrangements have become more commonplace over the last few years. While there are certainly some advantages that come with this type of flexibility, it’s not for everyone. It’s true that remote work can be done from anywhere, but it’s also in the digital ether. Hours spent working from home often result in a lack of tangible results outside of what you see on a screen.
On the other hand, skilled trades typically involve hands-on work toward creating something you can see and feel. For a particular type of worker, you can’t beat the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with viewing the fruits of your labour. Just try replicating that in a virtual setting.
Skilled trades also offer a sense of community and connection. One out of five remote workers admits to feeling lonely. Working alongside colleagues in the trades not only avoids this isolation, but it helps foster relationships built on a shared sense of purpose. Many trades require a fair amount of physical activity, which can be healthier than sitting at a desk all day.
An Exciting and Rewarding Career Path
The need for skilled trade workers is truly a pressing issue. It’s not just that business owners have trouble filling these positions; nearly every company has that struggle today. The gaps in the trade workforce negatively impact the economy, as new developments are put on hold or canceled altogether.
If you’re a high school graduate, navigating a post-military career, or just looking for a career change, trade work is an exciting and rewarding career path available to you. There’s never been a better time to explore an apprenticeship or training as a stepping stone into the skilled trades.
For more insights into workforce trends across a wide range of industries, follow MRINetwork.