Skilled Trades Talent Shortage?

Yes, there is a Skilled Trades talent shortage in the United States. The big question is why? In a recent article in the Detroit News it was pointed out that “The vast majority of Americans overall, and the majority of millennials, don’t have and won’t have a college degree. Many have several years of college and enormous debts and no degree to show for it. And others have degrees that earn them the right to marginal employment at low salaries.” If that is true what’s the problem? The problem is perception and education. The Skilled Trades in the United States have an image problem and most high schools in America (heck even most Americans) have abandoned vocational education or view vocational school as “second class” to a 4 year college degree. The reality is that a skilled trade education has as much or more value than a 4 year degree and for many high school juniors and seniors vocational training offers a much better and brighter career path.

Bottom-line: The skilled worker will always be in high demand. Whether in the form of mechanics, HVAC Technicians, construction workers, or the various other jobs out there that pay well for an honest day’s work, these jobs are essential to America’s economy.