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Started By
Message
Why aren't kids getting into the trades anymore?
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:23 am
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:23 am
I work with a general contractor (commercial construction). We have been looking to hire a few entry level carpenters for months, but have run into two issues...
1) No young people out there looking for any of these jobs
2) 6 of the kids we did hire either failed drug tests, couldn't handle the work and waking up, or had terrible attitudes.
We ended up having to hire an older fella who came out of retirement from another job because he was bored. Still can't fill the other positions.
It is sad because a young guy with a good drive could easily work his way into a superintendent or journeyman role in a few years making pretty good money to take care of a family.
Every other contractor I talk to throughout the industry is dealing with the exact same set of circumstances. Can't hire anyone, and can't compete against free government money.
I heard Mike Rowe recently say there were 10 million good paying blue collar trade jobs waiting to be filled and nobody was taking them. It makes me sick thinking about it with millions of healthy young men sitting idly by in their parents basements.
1) No young people out there looking for any of these jobs
2) 6 of the kids we did hire either failed drug tests, couldn't handle the work and waking up, or had terrible attitudes.
We ended up having to hire an older fella who came out of retirement from another job because he was bored. Still can't fill the other positions.
It is sad because a young guy with a good drive could easily work his way into a superintendent or journeyman role in a few years making pretty good money to take care of a family.
Every other contractor I talk to throughout the industry is dealing with the exact same set of circumstances. Can't hire anyone, and can't compete against free government money.
I heard Mike Rowe recently say there were 10 million good paying blue collar trade jobs waiting to be filled and nobody was taking them. It makes me sick thinking about it with millions of healthy young men sitting idly by in their parents basements.
This post was edited on 2/16/21 at 6:52 am
59
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:25 am to burger bearcat
Because for the past 30+ years parents have harped on the “college or bust” train.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:25 am to burger bearcat
They’ve been conditioned to think they are too important to do any job they don’t want to do.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:26 am to burger bearcat
Feminization of boys in schools. Buncha women telling them those jobs aren’t good enough for them.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:27 am to burger bearcat
I blame video games, weed, and Mountain Dew.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:29 am to burger bearcat
You need 2 hands for those types of jobs. People don't have 2 hands anymore, they have to keep their fricking phone in 1 all the time.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:32 am to Blueprint
quote:
Dew
quote:
video games, weed, and Mountain Dew
You just named the favorite hobbies of many construction baw!
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:33 am to burger bearcat
In my family, immediate, I have a trade (carpenter, builder) and a degree. My son did not want to finish school. I emphasized getting a trade at least. He is now an electrician and living life. Thank you Lord.
We need skilled workers in many vocations. I am retired and still do work as self employed, to the dismay of my wife.
We need skilled workers in many vocations. I am retired and still do work as self employed, to the dismay of my wife.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:34 am to burger bearcat
quote:
entry level carpenters
How much are you paying them? You get what you pay for generally.
Have you tried reaching out to trade schools or high schools?
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:35 am to burger bearcat
quote:
6 of the kids we did hire either failed drug tests, couldn't handle the work and waking up, or had terrible attitudes.
1. What they fail for? Sure don’t hire crack/meth heads that are high on the job but if they are failing for weed....ahem you suck.
2. You want workers, deal with the fact they are humans.
3. Terrible attitudes? What you need a safe space from the employees baw?
Your expectations are too high for a temp worker. Obviously, you and your industry are the problem. Don’t blame people for the lack of motivation you supply.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:39 am to burger bearcat
quote:I've also noticed (in general) that they exhibit behavior suggesting they see the world as one big nuisance. They never make eye contact with anyone and rarely engage you in conversation.
2) 6 of the kids we did hire either failed drug tests, couldn't handle the work and waking up, or had terrible attitudes.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:39 am to 50407Tiger
If you want affordable workman's comp insurance for employees, you have to drug test. You know why?
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:39 am to burger bearcat
quote:
couldn't handle the work and waking up
I will say this, I’m younger and own a trade-type business and work very hard, but waking up at 4 AM to go to work needs to die with your generation. It’s unhealthy as shite, leads to lost productivity, and there’s no reason for it.
I’m a morning person now but when I was 22 I would’ve been so much better at my jobs if I could’ve slept until 8:30 or later then put in a hard arse day’s work until 6 or 7 and everyone would’ve been better off for it.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:40 am to burger bearcat
I’ve seen the same. I have most construction trades in my org and there is a large age gap. Basically, a bunch of senior guys riding out their last few and a bunch of younger folks that jump at first opportunity to leave from working with their hands. Pay and benefits are competitive too, it’s the stigma nowadays of being a craftsman in the younger crowd.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:41 am to burger bearcat
Most dont know its an option.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:41 am to 50407Tiger
quote:
1. What they fail for? Sure don’t hire crack/meth heads that are high on the job but if they are failing for weed....ahem you suck.
2. You want workers, deal with the fact they are humans.
3. Terrible attitudes? What you need a safe space from the employees baw?
Not my company and I am not hiring. Usually weed or prescription pills is what they fail for. If someone doesn't show up and want to do the work, I can't help them. And terrible attitude includes cussing out their foremans or telling them they are too good to do X,Y,Z. That shite doesn't last long in this industry.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:42 am to 50407Tiger
quote:
1. What they fail for? Sure don’t hire crack/meth heads that are high on the job but if they are failing for weed....ahem you suck.
one word Insurance. Change laws and liability for this. simple right.
quote:
You want workers, deal with the fact they are humans.
What about they are humans? Go do your job and leave your mess at home. Most employers I have had show empathy for their help.
quote:
3. Terrible attitudes? What you need a safe space from the employees baw?
Attitude affects performance. It matters.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:43 am to burger bearcat
Need to advertise it as a “custom wood and metal artisan”
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:45 am to burger bearcat
Serious questions.
How are they advertising their openings?
Do they have any previous experience requirements?
Who does the candidate screening and what makes them qualified to do so?
How are they advertising their openings?
Do they have any previous experience requirements?
Who does the candidate screening and what makes them qualified to do so?
Posted on 2/16/21 at 6:45 am to themunch
Let me tell you what, your industry sucks that’s why nobody wants to do it.
Plain and simple.
Have fun with your miserable lives.
Plain and simple.
Have fun with your miserable lives.
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