Simon Kirkham’s Post

I don't think this is an April Fool's joke. The article is also behind a pay wall. However, the headline sums it up: "More young workers are going into trades as disenchantment with the college track continues, and rising pay and new technologies shine up plumbing and electrical jobs." If anyone has read the article I'd love to know the specifics. And yes, I'm too cheap to buy a subscription. #highereducation | #education | #university | #technology | #workforce

We love working with universities who are filling the critical skills gap like OSUIT. Great new article in the Wall Street Journal: Worker shortage A shortage of skilled tradespeople, brought on as older electricians, plumbers and welders retire, is driving up the cost of labor, as many sticker-shocked homeowners embarking on repairs and renovations in recent years have found. That’s the fourth year that median annual pay for new construction hires has eclipsed earnings for new hires in both the professional services and information sectors—such as accountants or IT maintenance workers—ADP says. https://lnkd.in/gTnzXjpV

Gen Z is filling the labor gap in the construction industry, according to a recent article by WSJ. If you're looking for a motivated career path with good wages, construction might be the way to go. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/ezqsgWaT

The demand for plumbers in America is growing, and Gen Z is stepping up to meet it. As disillusionment with traditional college paths increases, more young individuals are opting for trade professions. With higher wages and advancements in technology, plumbing and electrical jobs are becoming more appealing…. workforce landscape is changing …

"The median pay for new construction hires rose 5.1% to $48,089 last year. By contrast, new hires in professional services earned an annual $39,520, up 2.7% from 2022, according to data from payroll-services provider ADP. That’s the fourth year that median annual pay for new construction hires has eclipsed earnings for new hires in both the professional services and information sectors—such as accountants or IT maintenance workers—ADP says."

📝 More young workers are going into trades as disenchantment with the college track continues, and rising pay and new technologies shine up plumbing and electrical jobs, The Wall Street Journal reports. A recent piece in the WSJ reveals how Gen Z is becoming the ‘Toolbelt Generation’ by moving away from traditional college pathways to blue-collar jobs and trade schools. 👉 “Rising pay and new technologies in fields from welding to machine tooling are giving trade professions a face-lift, helping them shed the image of being dirty, low-end work. Growing skepticism about the return on a college education, the cost of which has soared in recent decades, is adding to their shine”, the article says. What’s more, the number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018. The ranks of students studying construction trades also rose 23% during that time. 📈 Are we to expect a continued rise in the popularity of vocational careers among the younger generations? With the growing attractiveness of these fields due to higher wages and stability of #employment, it seems likely. This movement could also encourage a reevaluation of education systems, potentially leading to more integrated programs that combine technical skills with broader educational goals. 🎯 https://lnkd.in/e25ZmqaD

In 1986, when we moved into our house in Palo Alto, which was built in 1954-55, I remember conversing with our neighbor, a carpenter who boasted he didn't need a Ph.D. like my husband and me to make a great living. This article reminded me of that chat. It says that in the US, the retirement of aging electricians, plumbers, and welders has created a labor shortage in these trades and has driven up the cost of labor. Gen Zs are wising up to the situation. "Enrollment in vocational training programs is surging as overall enrollment in community colleges and four-year institutions has fallen. The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018. The ranks of students studying construction trades rose 23% during that time, while those in programs covering HVAC and vehicle maintenance and repair increased 7%." Free to read:

“The number of students enrolled in #vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018.” It is a great sign that Gen Z’ers are interested in the trades. High enrollment at vocational schools will also keep the talent pool of skilled labor strong to support the next generation of manufacturing workers (8.5% of the US Workforce and 11% of US GDP). #manufacturing #forging

🌟💡 Exciting news coming out this Tuesday 🔧💼 Having worked closely with phenomenal trades professionals and championed the advancement of women in trades through Rosie the Riveter Trust, I'm thrilled by this update! Let's motivate young folks to embark on the career path that aligns with their passions and strengths! 💪🚀 #Trades #WomenInTrades #CareerGoals"

Really insightful article about a significant shift in the landscape in higher education. A great example is what is happening can be found at WSU Tech under the leadership of Sheree Utash. An excerpt from the article is below: "Enrollment in vocational training programs is surging as overall enrollment in community colleges and four-year institutions has fallen. The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018. The ranks of students studying construction trades rose 23% during that time, while those in programs covering HVAC and vehicle maintenance and repair increased 7%."