Why Young People Avoid Skilled Trades: A Generation Shift
Service technicians, skilled tradesmen such as carpenters, plasterers, and plumbers, keep our world running smoothly. Yet, surprisingly, few young people are pursuing this path. To address this complex issue, it's important to understand the multifaceted reasons behind this trend over the past few generations.
The Historical Context
Before World War II, most men had some training in skilled trades. High school and college educations were relatively uncommon, but men were expected to learn some craftsmanship like carpentry. This era produced outstanding structures, with many owner-built homes, such as those from Sears kits, still standing today and valued at over a million dollars.
Post-War Shifts
Following World War II, many returning GIs' fathers advised their sons to avoid blue-collar trades, favoring education that could lead to higher-paying, white-collar jobs. The GI Bill and the rapid industrialization during the 1950s further emphasized the shift towards college education. However, the shortage of skilled laborers in these years began to be papered over with less labor-intensive building techniques.
The Decline of Skilled Trades
In the 1960s and 1970s, the stigma against skilled trades grew, influenced by the traditionally gendered school curriculum and societal values that emphasized personal achievements over practical skills. Women's liberation and education became feminized, gradually leading to the disappearance of shop classes from the curriculum.
Furthermore, the 1990s witnessed a significant emphasis on self-esteem, where disciplining children was deemed taboo. Children were often told they were amazing and could do anything they wanted, resulting in many choosing easier, less labor-intensive pursuits like film school, the liberal arts, and business.
The Current Shortage and Future Challenges
CURRENTLY, WE FACE A SEVERE SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABORERS WHO CAN BUILD AND MAINTAIN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. Despite this, many college graduates lack any practical, applicable skills. Instead, many invest time and money in fields like film, entrepreneurship, and education that do not require specific technical skills.
The housing shortage in popular cities will only worsen, making it increasingly difficult for millennials to maintain homes or even find rentals. The focus on skilled trades becomes crucial as our world relies more on maintainable and sustainable infrastructure.
Encouraging Skill Development
Encouraging people to pursue essential trades is vital for our future. Incentives such as free health insurance for those who learn a skilled trade, free tuition for STEM programs, and mortgages for those who build homes can significantly encourage young people to consider these fields. By addressing these issues head-on, we can build a more skilled and resilient workforce capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century.
For those interested in skilled trades, there are numerous resources available. For example, checking out DIY Network can provide detailed plans and step-by-step instructions for various woodworking and building projects, suitable for both beginners and experts.
By understanding the historical and cultural context of the decline of skilled trades and working towards encouraging youth to embrace these careers, we can build a stronger, more sustainable future.