Maintenance and engineering managers continue in their struggle to find entry level technicians to maintain staffing levels as older workers retire. Among the challenges they face is the attitude of the general public toward skilled trades jobs and careers, according to a recent Harris Poll, which surveyed 2,203 U.S. adults to uncover the way Americans feel about the skilled trades, as well as the ways companies can better support workers looking to enter these professions.
Among the survey’s findings are these:
Skilled trades are essential but often overlooked. The skilled trades are highly respected. More than 90 percent of Americans agree that trade jobs are just as important to society as white-collar jobs. But almost as many — 86 percent — agree that skilled trade careers are overlooked in schools.
Generational gap in career outlooks: Just 38 percent of Gen Z sees skilled trades as offering the best job opportunities today, compared to 40 percent of millennials and 45 percent of Gen X. The Gen Z segment is less likely to see the benefits of a skilled trade career. In fact, most people of all ages do not realize how high-paying skilled trades can be overall.
Barriers to entering skilled trades: Perceptions of low prestige, lack of awareness, societal pressure toward college and concerns about pay are key obstacles to pursuing these careers.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.?
