The Challenge
Why Act Now?
Most people in the skilled trades are among 80 million Baby Boomers (or the Silver Tsunami) who are retiring at an accelerated rate due to the pandemic.
The result? There are not enough skilled trade professionals to fill the job vacancies.
Shortage
Anticipated labor shortage of 3 million skilled trade workers by 2028
Projects
Study found that 69% of its members reported delays on projects due to staffing shortages
Workers
Demand for construction workers is projected to rise by 1.2-2 million jobs by 2023
Workers
Nearly 25% of the manufacturing workforce is 55 or older
Rate
There is a 12-50% vacancy rate for skilled trade jobs in western PA
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WESTERN PA IS LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE
Our Purpose
Strengthening communities by ensuring every child has an equal opportunity for success.
Bringing Skilled Trade to the Students
The best way to get skilled trades as part of students’ imagined futures and pathways is to bring the skilled trades directly to them.
Featured Industry Volunteers
Local skilled trades community volunteers will join classrooms and be featured in the specific curriculum to deliver lessons and share their unique lived experiences.
Guiding the Conversation
Student awareness of the skilled trades is influenced by popular culture and their circles of influence. Junior Achievement of Western PA, with its access to schools, can be a part of their circle – introducing the skilled trades in a positive way.
Sources:
Cain, Aine. (April 25, 2019). Lowe’s Has Come out Swinging in the War for Talent with a New Campaign to Fill Millions of Skilled Trades Jobs. businessinsider.com. https://www.businessinsider.com/lowes-skilled-trades-gap-2019-4
Fit for the Next Frontier, carhartt.com. https://carhartt.com/Fit-For-The-Next-Frontier
Support the Trades in Fashion Through New Campaign, skillsusa.org. https://www.skillsusa.org/support-the-trades-in-fashion-through-new-campaign