There is no better time than now. The divide in the skilled workforce is widening. Only two tradespeople replace every five who retire. Since skilled trades are the human infrastructure that supports America’s physical infrastructure, we cannot afford to overlook that gap. Skilled professionals ensure that everything is done safely, effectively, and sustainably, from energy to roadways.
The foundation of our nation is strengthened when skilled trades are strengthened. The good news? We’re doing something instead of just talking.
Bipartisan cooperation focuses on workforce readiness
Give credit to: hand
Give credit to: hand
I saw business and education stakeholders, including important partners SkillsUSA, TikTok, John Deere, and others, come together at the Skilled Careers Coalition’s recent State of the Skilled Trades event to support our common goal of reducing the skilled labor shortage. Clear career trajectories and the dismantling of silos depend on this cross-sector cooperation.
It’s not just industry leaders who are involved. The group facilitated the remarks of Georgia policymakers and engaged them. Strong bipartisan and bicameral support was shown by the attendance of staff from Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Rep. Lucy McBath, D-District 6.
A number of Georgia lawmakers, notably House Education and Workforce Committee members Reps. McBath and Rick Allen, R-District 12, are taking the lead on this subject.
The Youth Workforce Readiness Act was reintroduced by Representative McBath to assist career development after-school activities. Rep. Allen has long supported initiatives aimed at providing students with access to excellent professional opportunities. In a video speech, he stated that the strength of our workers determines the strength of our economy. Finding qualified staff is the top complaint I hear from local company leaders.
After previewing it during the stakeholder event, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer delivered a video address with SkillsUSA conference attendees. She underlined the necessity of working together to address the skilled trades gap and stated that the administration has set an ambitious goal of reaching 1 million new active apprentices nationally, showing our common commitment to boosting vocational and technical education.
Help students visualize their future through eyes of their peers
Although we appreciate the cooperation of policymakers, strategy discussions and legislation alone won’t solve the problem. Pupils are unable to take advantage of chances they are unaware of. Increasing awareness is just as crucial as increasing access.
While many students are interested in the trades, few know how to start, according to our research with the American School Counselor Association. Fortunately, elder Gen Zers are selecting specialized occupations, which has led to them being dubbed the “toolbelt generation.”
Young artists of today are rising to the occasion. They are showcasing the trades, establishing connections with mentors, and creating opportunities for fulfilling work on sites that their peers trust, such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. It’s encouraging to see STEM fields and skilled occupations gaining traction in the congested digital environment.
The SkillsUSA Championships took place at the Georgia World Congress Center, where aspiring skilled professionals competed in tasks ranging from construction to robotics. To see how these students solve problems, endure, and work as a team, we followed their travels on SkillsJam, the youth-driven content channel from Skilled Careers Coalition presented by Ty Pennington.
As the father of a junior in high school, I am aware that allowing young people to see what is possible through the eyes of their peers is frequently the most effective approach to reach them. Students are able to envision a future when educators, employers, and legislators collaborate to create clear pathways.
While not all students require college, we cannot allow them to stray without guidance or recognition for their abilities. Careers with skill provide pathways to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and long-term fulfillment. To link students with opportunities, we now require collaboration and vision.
Here s how adults can help young people find their way
Tell your tale if you’re a professional with expertise. Tutor a pupil. Join forces with a nearby employer or CTE program. You don’t realize how important your influence is.
If you are a parent, discuss this third way with your children. Go to a technical and career school. Locate a SkillsUSA chapter and volunteer, go to events, or provide assistance. Examine apprenticeship programs.
The momentum we’re witnessing is evidence of what’s taking place around the country. It is our hope that the momentum generated in Atlanta will help it continue. Instead of just inheriting the future, let’s prepare the next generation to create it.
Rebuilding the great American workforce is the goal of the Skilled Careers Coalition, of which Mark Hedstrom is executive director.
