Exchange, 2021
The workforce is undergoing a dramatic transformation, known as the ‘great resignation.’ Workers are tired, overworked, stressed, highly disengaged, and prone to resign or switch careers. As a result, employers are struggling to find workers, especially skilled workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this shift.
The trades industry is especially suffering during this transition. Most tradespeople are aging, with the average age of plumbers and electricians at 43. The 2021 Skilled Trades Report shows that the trades population is 11% older than the general population. 27% of the people who work in trades are within ten years of retiring!
This dynamic shift shows a real opportunity for young people to join the trades and advance quickly. Of the tradespeople surveyed, 33% said that they joined the trades between the ages of 16-20, with another 18% joining between the ages of 25-30. Now, this number is rising. Most new trade recruits are entering the industry later, with 35% starting their trade careers between 25-30.
An aging industry population shows a disconnect between recruiters and the younger generation. Companies are failing to show the benefits of the trades and losing recruits who could develop stable and lucrative careers at a young age. Many young people may not see the benefits of the trade industry.
So, what are the benefits? Let’s take a closer look:
- No college debt. Most apprentices can work while completing their technical training, thereby avoiding racking up student loans. Unfortunately, college program costs have risen 300% in recent years, and student loan debt is at a record high of $1.6 trillion. What’s more, many graduates struggle to find jobs when they graduate. At UMC, Inc., we cover 100% of our apprentices’ tuition and 50% of their books while offering competitive wages and job opportunities. It’s a lot better than graduating with tons of debt and no job!
- Better job satisfaction. One of the most significant issues facing the workforce today is job dissatisfaction, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are burned out, disillusioned, and questioning their career choices. But that’s not the case in the trades. On the contrary, 9 out of ten tradespeople say they are very satisfied with their career. Some of the most significant factors that lead to this satisfaction include competitive wages, flexible hours, workplace relationships, and overall meaning and value in work. Meaning and value in work are the highest job satisfaction indicators in the trades industry. Tradespeople take pride in their work and skills!
The labor shortage is an ongoing problem for many industries, including the trades. At UMC, Inc., we provide a great place to grow your career and learn. Many of our employees start with us as apprentices, then move up through the ranks of our company, learning new skills along the way. Together, we find joy and satisfaction as we tackle new projects and learning opportunities.
