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June 2022 #14275 Page #100
Next Generation of Trade Professionals Key to the Industry By Matthew Winn, Senior Vice President, Training & Education, International Code Council
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ociety is currently experiencing “The Great Resignation,” and it only continues to be exasperated by the pandemic. Yet, for many industries, building safety especially, this is not a new phenomenon. In fact, for the skilled trades like construction, the shortage of incoming talent has long been a challenge.
This has led to a significant impact on operations – raising costs and concerns about the future. The industry is further challenged by a significant portion of its workforce aging out. According to a report by Zippia, with a median age of 43, the skilled labor workforce is roughly 10% older than the general population, creating an ever-widening gap in the number of workers needed. In fact, the labor shortage is reaching a potentially critical level as skilled tradespeople retire at a 5 to 1 ratio to new labor entering the field, with the most impacted fields being plumbers, construction workers, and electricians. However, this presents ample opportunity for those looking to break into the profession, especially among the younger generation. Therefore, the question becomes how skilled trades can attract and retain talent.
Building Industry Needs to Prioritize Education and Awareness The trade industry currently has a unique opportunity to attract up-and-coming talent. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, with an annual growth rate of 6.8%. Subsequently, college and university graduates are finishing with greater amounts of student loan debt, which is pushing younger generations to explore different avenues that both appeal to their interests and are more affordable. Along with job security, skilled trades careers come with high job satisfaction, and high starting salaries. A study by Agni confirmed that 83% of respondents felt high satisfaction from their career in a skilled trade. Career paths in the skilled trades include but are not limited to: • • • • •
Plumbers Electricians HVAC technicians Carpenters Brick masons Continued next page
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