National Skilled Trades Day, which has been celebrated on the first Wednesday of May since 2019, is an opportunity to recognize the essential professionals who keep our buildings operating smoothly, efficiently, safely and sustainably. From electricians and HVAC technicians to plumbers and maintenance engineers, skilled tradespeople form the backbone of facility operations.
In today’s facilities landscape, the importance of the trades is growing rapidly. Aging infrastructure, the implementation of artificial intelligence and increasing performance expectations are placing new demands on buildings and those who maintain them. At the same time, a persistent labor shortage continues to challenge organizations, as many experienced tradespeople are retiring faster than new talent is entering, making it more important than ever to invest in workforce development, education and awareness.
FacilitiesNet has published a number of articles during the last few years focused on the importance of trades:
On National Skilled Trades Day, facilities leaders in institutional and commercial facilities not only have the opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of tradespeople, but can also elevate visibility of the trades in their organizations through education and training to help build the next generation of talent that will sustain the industry for years to come.
Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
