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Gen Z Workers Want to Pursue Skilled Construction Trades but Face Barriers
Training programs can’t keep up with demand, which may signal a need for employer investments, Dewalt says.
November 22, 2024
1 Min Read
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More than two-thirds of high schoolers enrolled in skilled trades programs say they’re committed to their future trade career, but they also faced challenges when trying to access critical training, according to a recent report from Dewalt, a Stanley Black & Decker brand.
In this survey of 225 U.S. high school students, half of students said they were placed on a waitlist for training. Once enrolled, though, 55% participated in internships, 47% in mentorship opportunities and 46% in real-world work experiences.
“Annual hiring in the U.S. for critical skilled trades roles could be more than 20 times the projected annual increase in net new jobs from 2022-2032 as Gen Z enters the workforce,” Maria Ford, president of commercial and industrial for Dewalt, said in a statement.
“Skilled trades jobs play an essential role in our country’s infrastructure and economy,” she said. “This is a call to the industry to embrace this generation’s passion and their needs to remain lifelong tradespeople.”
Overall optimism appears high:
About 80% of students said they were introduced to a trades career by age 15, and more than 25% were exposed by age 13.
Most said they feel optimistic about their career choice, with 77% saying they’re “somewhat” to “extremely” optimistic.
About 84% said they believe they’ll be hired immediately after graduation, and 67% have spoken with potential employers who expressed an interest in hiring them.
To read the rest of this story from Construction Dive, click here.
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