Gen Z Eager to Enter Skilled Trades, But Many Face Barriers
Date Posted: November 21, 2024
Posted In: Discussion, News, Workforce,
From Builder Online: With the construction industry continuing to face a skilled labor shortage, Gen Z—which has been dubbed the “toolbelt generation”—is increasingly interested in pursuing careers in the trades. The trades are appealing for a variety of reasons for Gen Z, including an avenue to avoid college debt, the allure of competitive salaries out of high school, or the possibility of future business ownership. However, a survey commissioned by DEWALT indicates that many Gen Z individuals are having difficulty accessing training despite interest in the trades.
The Gen Z in the Skilled Trades survey indicates that high schoolers enrolled in skilled trades programs are fully committed to their future, but 52% of students have been placed on waitlists for critical training programs. Once enrolled, though, 55% participated in internships, 47% in mentorship opportunities, and 46% have had real work experience highlighting the value of technical training programs in fostering skilled career development, according to the survey.
“Annual hiring in the U.S. for critical skilled trades roles could be more than 20 times the projected annual increase in net new jobs from 2022 to 2032, as Gen Z enters the workforce,” Maria Ford, president of commercial and industrial of DEWALT, said. “Skilled trades jobs play an essential role in our country’s infrastructure and economy, and through our Grow the Trades initiative, DEWALT is committed to meeting the demand Gen Z is driving for training and educational funding. This is a call to the industry to embrace this generation’s passion and their needs to remain lifelong tradespeople.”