As a retired tradesman (carpenter/furniture maker) I’ve found it discouraging how few young people are willing to consider taking up the life of a skilled Tradesman as a way of earning a living.
Despite the fact that most skilled tradesmen earn more than college graduates, experience less unemployment and do it without the burden of college loan debt, only 6% of highschool students are currently considering going into a trade. This is partially because more and more high schools are cutting back or eliminating industrial arts classes.
As a result, by the year 2030, 79 million tradesmen will be retiring — and only 41 million new tradesmen will be entering the work force to replace them. This trend is expected to escalate. If you think hiring a plumber or auto mechanic is expensive now, wait another decade when there will be 50% fewer people to fill those rolls!
September 20th is National Tradesman Day
Say “thank you” to the tradesmen you know. If you know young people interested in becoming a tradesman (or tradeswoman) ENCOURAGE them; they’re a vanishing breed!
Sources:
- http://www.manpowergroup.us/campaigns/talent-shortage-2013/
- http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/1813/poll-skilled-trades-rank-low-in-teens%E2%80%99-career-options
- http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=77
- http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=77
- Virginia Manufacturers Assoc. Data
