The Continuing Crisis in the Field Workforce

It's no secret that the trades are in crisis and our educational systems seem unable to address the issue. How did we get here?

• A shrinking labor pool
• Negative stereotypes
• Immigration policies that scare away skilled workers
• Significant lack of awareness of the benefits
• Financing for a technical education

Even with all these challenges, the existing labor pool is experiencing a skills gap.

• Tasks in the trades are more complex.
• New methods and materials require continuous education.
• There is a greater focus on safety.
• There is a greater need for quality control.
• New field applications and devices require training in their proper use.

Barriers to developing a new trades-centric workforce:

• Cost and time: Apprenticeship programs, which are the primary way to train workers for trade jobs, can be expensive and time-consuming for both employers and apprentices.
• Lack of support: Many trade employers do not have the resources to provide adequate training to their apprentices. Additionally, there is a lack of government and industry support for apprenticeship programs.
• Equity and diversity: The trades have a long history of underrepresentation of women and minorities. This is due to a number of factors, including discrimination, lack of access to training, and cultural barriers.

What should be done?

• Raise the alarm! Make this crisis a national focus. Write stories pointing out the risks to life and the economy. 
• Make trade jobs more accessible through well-funded apprenticeship programs
• Make the investment in training worthwhile. Offer tax incentives, stipends, improved access to bidding, streamline licensing and certification.
• Provide financial assistance to apprentices and employers.
• Create a national taskforce that addresses and reduces prejudice and bigotry in the trades. 
• Work with the media to highlight positive forces in diverse populations.
• Provide incentives for lenders to invest in tradespeople.
• Strengthen the SBAs focus on trades.
• Work with the media to highlight the essential nature of tradespeople and without them our society ceases to function.

Lastly, the 2022 Infrastructure  Act provided 800MM in funds for Advancing Equitable Workforce Development. Here are the details https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Advancing-Equitable-Workforce-Development-for-Infrastructure-Jobs_110122.pdf