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Closing the Skills Gap in Trades: A Call to Action for the Economy

A recent report issued by Bring Back the Trades Inc. and F.W. Webb Company has raised alarm bells over the severe shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States. The analysis highlights that by the year 2030, the nation is projected to lose approximately 1.4 million skilled jobs across seven critical trades, leading to an astonishing annual economic impact of $325.6 billion in lost GDP. This shortfall also threatens to affect federal, state, and local tax revenues, potentially resulting in a loss of around $71.3 billion.

An Overview of the Situation

The seven trades examined in the report include electricians, mechanics, plumbers, welders, construction workers, HVAC technicians, and carpenters. This sector encompasses 5.6 million jobs nationwide, generating an annual economic impact of about $1.3 trillion. The numbers are not just shocking; they illustrate a considerable gap that could significantly impede economic growth if left unaddressed.

The report provides a national overview and a focused analysis of the skilled trade landscape across different regions and states within the U.S. While the trades shortage is a nationwide dilemma, some regions experience more acute challenges, primarily due to an aging workforce, rising demand for skilled labor, and a scarcity of new entrants into these professions.

The Economic Cost of Inaction

According to Steve Turner, Founder and CEO of Bring Back the Trades, the findings from this report serve as a wake-up call. He stated, "This isn’t just a report — it's a call to action. The shortage in the skilled trades affects every sector of our economy, and immediate action is essential to fill this gap."

The economic ramifications are further illustrated by data from Parker Strategy Group, a consulting firm that helped quantify these impacts. The analysis emphasizes how this workforce shortage leads to ripple effects across various industries. Nichole Parker, Managing Principal of Parker Strategy Group, remarked, "The shortage of workers in trades like plumbing and electrical work isn’t merely a workforce issue; it's an economic imperative. We must equip leaders with compelling evidence to reverse this trend and secure a better future."

Regional Breakdown of Job Openings

The report breaks down the expected job openings by region:

• - East North Central: 158,632 openings, $41 billion GDP loss
• - East South Central: 85,975 openings, $17.9 billion GDP loss
• - Middle Atlantic: 91,600 openings, $23.9 billion GDP loss
• - Mountain Regions: 169,477 openings, $37.9 billion GDP loss
• - New England: 41,784 openings, $11.1 billion GDP loss
• - Pacific Regions: 238,744 openings, $66.9 billion GDP loss
• - South Atlantic: 292,663 openings, $60.4 billion GDP loss
• - West North Central: 95,027 openings, $22.9 billion GDP loss
• - West South Central: 216,264 openings, $43.6 billion GDP loss

These staggering figures illustrate the urgency of addressing the skills gap, particularly in areas where tradespeople are needed most.

A Call to Action

Shana Brunye, Chief Operating Officer and Research Director at Bring Back the Trades, emphasized the pressing need to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. "Closing the skilled trades gap is not simply about filling vacant positions; it’s about reinforcing industries, bolstering communities, and creating pathways for opportunities for the youth of tomorrow. Our findings serve as a reminder that action is necessary."

In light of these findings, the Bring Back the Trades organization is encouraging various stakeholders -students, families, educators, and policymakers- to recognize the economic significance of this issue. With ongoing support from F.W. Webb Company, they plan to conduct additional research to further illuminate opportunities within the trades sector as they extend their outreach initiatives through 2027.

Conclusion

This foundational report, backed by the F.W. Webb Company, sets the stage for further advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the skilled trades gap in our economy. The data-driven insights serve both as a clarion call for action and a framework for collaboration among leaders dedicated to promoting the value of careers in the trades. As Turner highlights, "We must mobilize now to invest in expanded training pathways that will inspire the next generation and keep America’s economy thriving."

For those interested in delving deeper into these findings, Bring Back the Trades will host a virtual webinar on February 11 to discuss the study’s impacts on both regional and national levels.

About the Organizations

Bring Back the Trades is a nonprofit organization based in Rye, New Hampshire, dedicated to advocating for careers in skilled trades and promoting educational opportunities.
F.W. Webb Company has been a leading distributor of plumbing and HVAC products since 1866, supporting tradespeople and their essential work across the region.