Organizations are launching programs aimed at expanding access to skilled trades at a time when the federal government is predicting above-average growth in these jobs over the next decade.
The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, which includes information on about 600 occupations, says the need for HVAC-R mechanics and installers is expected to grow 8% and add about 40,100 openings per year through 2034. That’s “much faster than the average for all occupations,” BLS says.
Electrician employment is projected to grow 9% in that time, with about 81,000 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade, BLS says.
The need for plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters and general maintenance and repair workers is projected to grow 4% in the next decade, according to the data.
“Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force,” BLS says.
Private-sector initiatives
To help expand pipelines into these roles, organizations are investing in programs that can help workers pursue skilled trades.
Last month, Schneider Electric announced a $100,000 investment in The SkillPointe Foundation that will make $3,000 grants available to individuals seeking training in building energy management, automation and related high-demand fields.
The Atlanta-based initiative builds on scholarship programs previously launched in Boston, Dallas and New York City, SkillPointe said. “Skilled career scholarships unlock life-changing opportunities — not just for individuals, but for companies and communities across America,” Alvin Townley, founding executive director of the SkillPointe Foundation, said in a statement.
Also last month, the Home Depot Foundation announced a $10 million investment to broaden access to skilled trades training, including a $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to introduce more young people to career opportunities in the construction trades.
Through the Foundation’s Path to Pro program, the partnership with BGCA launches a two-year pilot in Atlanta, Phoenix and Houston to introduce more than 1,000 children and teens to careers in carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing, the Foundation says. Grants will also support veterans enrolling in accredited trade schools.
Despite a growing number of jobs in the skilled construction trades, only a fraction of young workers entering the labor market express interest in pursuing careers in these fields, a Harris poll released in July found.
“Only 38% of Gen Z says skilled trades offer the best job opportunities today” and “only 36% strongly agree skilled trades offer a faster and more affordable path to a good career,” the report says.
A Business Roundtable workforce initiative announced this summer, led by the CEOs of Carrier and Lowe’s, will also focus on trades in industrial and manufacturing, construction and building, maintenance and repair, and energy.
Overall employment of facilities managers and administrative services positions is set to grow 4%, with about 36,400 openings projected in that time, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
