This is the first part of a three part series about the current state of the trades, and what we’re doing to find a solution to the challenge that lay ahead of us.
- The current state of the trades
- The solution
- The future
Years ago, the trades were regarded as a very viable, very honorable profession. We all have a Parent, Grandparent, Uncle, or Aunt who was a plumber, electrician, painter, or a roofer.
College was an option, but it wasn’t for everyone, and that was ok.
In the case where college wasn’t an option, the trades were encouraged and people created an honorable life and built their homes and families with a steady, honest profession. They went to Technical school, connected with a good company, went through an apprenticeship, then either worked for that company until retirement, or branched out to start their own business.
So what happened?
During the 1980’s and 90’s, there was a shift towards college. Loans for education became easier, and new industries like technology were a real and viable direction for many, as their choice of profession. College was a necessary step toward that direction. Getting a job in those fields without a college degree was close to impossible.
Vocational and trade schools, who traditionally set students up for success in the trades, began to become more particular about who they accepted, and geared their educational structure more towards getting students prepared for college beyond trade school, and not necessarily pursuing their selected trades.
Many students who have decided to further their higher education left their thoughts about joining the trades behind.
So where does that bring us to today?
To put it plainly, we have a severe shortage of workers and tradespeople who essentially keep the infrastructure of this country moving forward.
Builders, plumbers, electricians, and yes, roofers.
All of these noble trades have been ignored and passed over. If something isn’t done in the near future, we’ll be paying the cost for misdirecting our youth at the time.
Older tradespeople are aging out, and there are few, if any, of the new generation ready to carry the torch.
This is a serious challenge, and one that begs to be addressed sooner than later.
Much of the future of our infrastructure depends on it. Without trained workers, the state of our houses, places of worship, schools, and buildings that house our businesses are in danger.
The next in the series of this blog will address just that. What are the solutions, and what are we at Red Dog’s Roofing doing to face this challenge head on?
Keep your eyes open for the next parts, released weekly on the blog portion of our webpage at: https://www.reddogsroofing.com/blog/
We’d love your feedback. If this blog struck a chord with you, let us know. Send us a line at info@reddogsroofing.com.
Red Dog’s Roofing is a local, community focused roofing company based out of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, who have provided exterior remodeling solutions for more than 12 years. Their newest initiative is supplying guidance to the next generation of tradespeople by offering resources, encouragement, and solutions to make them more empowered choices in their careers and in their lives.
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