- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Winter Olympics
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
America needs carpenters and plumbers. Gen Z doesn't seem interested
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:01 pm
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:01 pm
quote:
Mwandjalulu dreamed of becoming a carpenter or electrician as a child. And now he's fulfilling that dream. But that also makes him an exception to the rule. While Gen Z — often described as people born between 1997 and 2012 — is on track to become the most educated generation, fewer young folks are opting for traditionally hands-on jobs in the skilled trade and technical industries.
Gen Z interest in trades and skilled work has dropped
The application rate for young people seeking technical jobs — like plumbing, building and electrical work — dropped by 49% in 2022 compared to 2020, according to data from online recruiting platform Handshake shared with NPR.
quote:
While the creation of technical positions has continued to grow, the number of students interested in applying for them — hasn't.
Occupations such as auto technician with aging workforces have the U.S. Chamber of Commerce warning of a "massive" shortage of skilled workers in 2023.
"For a long time, our society has not talked favorably about the skilled trades," said Cruzvergara. "We've instead encouraged students to all go to college, all go to four-year institutions, graduate, go out into white collar jobs."
LINK
51
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:04 pm to RLDSC FAN
Unless you’re a REALLY strong math and/or science student interested in a STEM career, I would advise against traditional university altogether.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:05 pm to RLDSC FAN
I read somewhere a couple of years ago that the average age of a master electrician is 59 years old...and there is not a younger generation training under them.
I tell every high schooler I talk to that if they don't know what they want to do, consider going to trade school, become an apprentice and work your butt off...the master electrician will have to leave their company to someone...
I tell every high schooler I talk to that if they don't know what they want to do, consider going to trade school, become an apprentice and work your butt off...the master electrician will have to leave their company to someone...
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:06 pm to RLDSC FAN
FWIW my nephew just finished his third year of college. He hates it and is unsure about going back. He is looking at learning a trade.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:07 pm to RLDSC FAN
The prices they are charging have forced me to become a carpenter. I'm a freaking scientist; what do I know about carpentry? Every time I get a quote on something,
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:07 pm to RLDSC FAN
They are too busy dancing on tik tok and doing challenges.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:09 pm to RLDSC FAN
Shoulda been a plumber.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:10 pm to RLDSC FAN
quote:
While Gen Z — often described as people born between 1997 and 2012 — is on track to become the most educated generation, fewer young folks are opting for traditionally hands-on jobs in the skilled trade and technical industries.
This is proof that having a college degree doesn't exactly make you "smart". Smart is an extremely broad word. A person can be a shite student, but have the ability to do something many people do not. Is that person not smart because they just couldn't or wouldn't get it done in the classroom?
A person can make a pretty good living as a plumber. Someone who starts off as a carpenter has the opportunity to do a lot with those skills. Buy land, build your own apartments and rent them out, build a house and sell it, etc. But these jobs are not jobs that they focus on in HS. HS doesn't inform kids about opportunities outside of going to college.
There are a lot of opportunities out there without having to go to college, but no one wants these type of jobs. No one wants to do physical work anymore.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:10 pm to RLDSC FAN
Honestly, it would absolutely blow your mind if you realized how little most folks can do; they don't even attempt to try or learn. Even simple shite like basic plumbing, fixing leaks, changing outlets, using a router or finding studs in a wall. We really fricked up as a society when we started pushing trades as lesser then college.
I'm honestly trying to encourage my Daughter to explore the Carpentry (Trim) or Electrician (like her Grandfather) paths.
I'm honestly trying to encourage my Daughter to explore the Carpentry (Trim) or Electrician (like her Grandfather) paths.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:11 pm to RLDSC FAN
Most HS's do not offer technical training anymore. There used to be a HS in Baton Rouge that offered students a chance to leave HS as a fully licensed carpenter. The program was shut down and replaced with a performing arts program. There are schools with mechanic's shops that are completely unused.
It is not just the kids that aren't interested. The programs that would promote such interest are seen as unworthy.
It is not just the kids that aren't interested. The programs that would promote such interest are seen as unworthy.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:12 pm to RLDSC FAN
(no message)
This post was edited on 9/11/25 at 6:34 am
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:12 pm to RLDSC FAN
This country is heading for some hard times once the people who keep shite running start dying off.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:13 pm to RLDSC FAN
quote:
While Gen Z — often described as people born between 1997 and 2012 — is on track to become the most educated generation, fewer young folks are opting for traditionally hands-on jobs in the skilled trade and technical industries.
What happens when that most educated generation doesn’t get a good return on that investment of their education, while simultaneously outsourcing and needing to hire skilled trade professionals to perform the most basic repairs and tasks?
They can’t afford to hire carpenters, plumbers, electricians, or mechanics, despite being in frequent need of their services.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:16 pm to RLDSC FAN
Is this a thread where everyone props up the top 5% of tradesmen as an example of why it makes no sense to go to college?
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:16 pm to Locoguan0
quote:
It is not just the kids that aren't interested. The programs that would promote such interest are seen as unworthy.
This is a big part of it, IMO.
It isn't only that kids are choosing four year schools and white collar paths. They are never being exposed to any trades while in school. Its no surprise that none of them ever explore those areas....their only exposure to it is when their parents hire someone to repair shite at home.
This post was edited on 6/13/23 at 4:17 pm
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:16 pm to Ghost of Colby
Id really like to see the US change up the school system and say around 9th or 10th grade allow a path to leave school with a 2 year degree in a skilled trade. But at the same time many kids cant even read and write in high school so I am not sure that it would work. I know when I went for my 2 year degree the curriculum was probably 15-20 years behind the industry.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:17 pm to RLDSC FAN
They are coming across the border very day, baw.
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:18 pm to bikerack
quote:
age of a master electrician is 59 years old...and there is not a younger generation training under them.
That’s because those master electricians sent their kids to college
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:18 pm to RLDSC FAN
Land surveyors are drying up too
Posted on 6/13/23 at 4:20 pm to RLDSC FAN
quote:
America needs carpenters and plumbers
After recently building a house, we don't just need more we are DESPERATE for more. Every single sub that built my house were in their 40's at the youngest aside from HVAC guys.
I have a 1-year old son. I am keeping all of my subs contacts to have as a potential job shadow or apprenticeship for my son because he could make a nice living for himself one day. Hell I have thought about learning how to make cabinets myself after how much I had to pay for mine lol
Page 1 of 11
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News