Armen Ekmekji’s Post

🔧 Building America’s Future Starts Here 🔧 America needs more skilled workers to power our industries and communities—but they’re in short supply. At the SkillPointe Foundation, we’re on a mission to be part of the solution by providing vocational scholarships that help individuals gain high-demand skills in trades, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. We’re investing in the next generation of skilled workers because we believe in building brighter futures—for individuals, families, and the economy. Together with visionary partners, we’re closing the skills gap and creating opportunities that lead to meaningful careers and stronger industries. If you’re ready to explore the skilled trades or support our mission, let’s work together to make an impact. 💡 WorkingNation discusses the growing demand for skilled trades https://lnkd.in/erFSNxVC. #CloseTheSkillsGap #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillPointeFoundation #FutureReady #Scholarships #BuildingAmerica

Is the future of education vocational? Let's discuss how these choices might shape industries desperate for skilled labor. From welding to HVAC and plumbing, these future professionals are gearing up for in-demand jobs that promise not only competitive wages but also job satisfaction and security. 👷♂️👩🔧 #GenZ #TradeSchools #VocationalTraining #NoDebtDegree Read more about this educational shift here: https://bit.ly/3U3H30p

Good News for Construction: Trade Schools Are Seeing a Surge! This is an exciting time for the construction industry, Cassandra Cassidy writes in a recent Morning Brew article. There's a growing trend towards trade schools, with enrollment in vocational programs surging by 16% and construction studies experiencing a 12% jump. The increased interest in trade schools signifies a shift in how young people view skilled trades. They recognize the value, stability, and satisfaction a construction career can offer. This trend ensures a steady pipeline of talented individuals entering the workforce, ready to contribute to the industry's growth.

Parents - I beg of you...don't automatically push your kids to college... Many people are simply not meant to sit behind a computer for 60%+ of their life... I can speak first-hand on the SEVERE labor shortage for skilled trades professionals... I regularly speak with other trades business owners and conduct constant market price testing...with the high-end limit expanding at a very rapid rate... Think I'm joking? The current rate for a quality (insured) Handyperson in the Capital Region is $80-120/hr...and for any custom work can meet or exceed $150/hr... I can assure you...with a massive percentage of trades professionals reaching retirement age...this is the absolute best time to enter... Educate your children on ALL of their options and let them aspire to what they were truly meant to be...even if it doesn't fit the "traditional mold" we have unwisely created in this country...

This is great news. For decades a university degree has been considered the "gold standard," leaving students who didn't fit into a confining academic method or simply couldn't afford tuition out in the cold. Not to mention the misconception that trades don't require a high degree of intelligence, when, in reality, they often require a depth of intelligence, ingenuity, and work ethic that far surpasses most other professions. These prevailing attitudes combined with our recent push to invest in infrastructure have created a vast shortage of skilled labor. The Associated Builders and Contractors recently reported "The construction industry will need to attract an estimated 501,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2024 to meet the demand for labor." Hopefully, Gen Z will lead the way and help fill the gap sooner rather than later. https://lnkd.in/gFyHNjSj #infrastructure #trades #skilledlabor

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

💡DID YOU KNOW: For every 5 people that retire from the construction industry, only 2 new people join. The maths isn't mathing. But the good news is this creates MASSIVE opportunity for those who are committed to the industry and are proactive about being part of the solution. Things are still gonna get built, but it's going to cost a lot more money as skilled labour diminishes without being replaced. Start taking care of those who show promise, you'll need them on your side in the years to come. #construction #skillsgap #recruitment #constructionindustry

Professions dominated by college-educated workers generally earn more over time. Professional and business services workers, for example, make a median $78,500 compared with $69,200 in construction, according to ADP. #adp #adpsales #adpcareers

Enrollment in vocational programs jumped 16% last year, according to National Student Clearinghouse. The median age of workers in a number of trades, like carpentry and HVAC maintenance, is falling from the mid 40s to early 40s or even high 30s. https://lnkd.in/gBguw9Gc #skills #maintenance #trades #competencybasedlearning

Challenges in Skilled Trades - Everyone can't be a PhD 🎊We loved talking to Virginia Murphy about real and important issues in the skilled trades. 😔Addressing the problems and horror stories faced by employees in skilled trades and their significant contributions. Everyone can't be a PhD! 👷♀️Skilled trades are vital to our workforce, requiring specialized training and expertise. However, workers in these fields encounter unique challenges that make their jobs tough and sometimes dangerous. 🫸One major challenge is the lack of respect for their work. Many consider trade jobs less prestigious than white-collar positions, leading to feelings of underappreciation, lower wages, and limited advancement opportunities. 💪Physical demands also pose challenges, as these professions often require strenuous tasks in tough environments like construction sites. This can result in a higher incidence of injuries and health issues. ⏱️Additionally, job stability is a concern due to fluctuating demand for skilled workers, leading to periods of unemployment or underemployment, affecting their financial security. Despite these issues, skilled trade workers are essential to society, maintaining infrastructure and ensuring community safety. It’s crucial to acknowledge their contributions and support them, fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce. #skilledtrades #workersrights #appreciatetrades #respectskilledworkers #tradejobsmatter #inclusiveworkforce #supportskilledtrades