5 Trades Most Effected by The Gap
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The skilled trades gap refers to the shortage of skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen in the construction and other related industries. This shortage is a result of a variety of factors, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest in the skilled trades among young people, and a lack of investment in vocational education.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are a number of trades that are particularly affected by the skilled trades gap and that are in urgent need of support. Here are the top 5 urgent trades that need to be supported:
Electricians: Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other structures. According to the BLS, employment of electricians is expected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing demand for electricity and the need to upgrade and modernize electrical systems are driving this growth.
Plumbers: Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and other structures. According to the BLS, employment of plumbers is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The growing demand for plumbing services and the need to upgrade and repair aging plumbing systems are driving this growth.
HVAC technicians: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems in homes, businesses, and other structures. According to the BLS, employment of HVAC technicians is expected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing demand for HVAC services and the need to upgrade and repair aging systems are driving this growth.
Welders: Welders are responsible for using heat and pressure to join metal components together. According to the BLS, employment of welders is expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The growing demand for welders in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries is driving this growth.
Carpenters: Carpenters are responsible for constructing, installing, and repairing structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials such as drywall, plaster, and concrete. According to the BLS, employment of carpenters is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The growing demand for new housing and the need to repair and renovate existing structures are driving this growth.
It is clear that these 5 trades are in urgent need of support due to the growing demand for their services and the potential impact of the skilled trades gap on the construction and related industries. Investing in skilled trades education and training programs can help to address this shortage and ensure that there is a sufficient supply of skilled workers to meet the demands of these industries.
In order to support these urgent trades, it is important to invest in vocational education programs that provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these careers. This can include providing funding for schools and training programs, offering financial incentives for students who choose to pursue careers in the skilled trades, and working with industry partners to provide real-world training opportunities and job placements.
By investing in skilled trades education and training, we can help to close the skilled trades gap and ensure that the next generation of tradesmen and tradeswomen has the skills and knowledge they need to continue upholding the infrastructure of our society.
