Willie Sutton, the infamous bank robber, was once asked why he robbed banks. His answer was simple: “Because that’s where the money is.”
If you’re wondering where the opportunities are for today’s young adults, the answer might be just as clear: The trades are where the jobs are.
Across the United States, there is a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople. Construction, manufacturing, electrical work, plumbing, and many other essential services are struggling to find qualified workers. This shortage is no passing challenge, it is a structural shift in the labor market with real economic consequences.
Why the Shortage Exists
Several factors have converged to create today’s shortage of skilled trades professionals:
An aging workforce
Many of the most experienced tradespeople, particularly from the baby boomer generation, are retiring, and there are not enough younger workers to replace them (Skillwork).
A shift in educational priorities
For decades, the focus in schools has been on encouraging four-year college degrees over vocational training. This has led to fewer young people entering apprenticeship programs or trade schools (Best Trade Schools).
Persistent misperceptions
Trades are sometimes dismissed as “dead-end” or “low-paying,” even though many offer six-figure earning potential, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and high job security (Industrial Projects Report).
Increased demand
From infrastructure modernization to new housing developments, demand for skilled trades is rising faster than the supply of qualified workers (Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies).
The Economic Logic
From a pure supply-and-demand perspective, the trades can be one of the most logical career choices for young adults who are looking for stability, solid income potential, and the satisfaction of doing essential work. Shortages in skilled labor drive up wages. Companies are competing for talent and often offering benefits that rival or exceed those in white-collar fields.
And unlike many industries where automation threatens jobs, the trades rely heavily on hands-on expertise that cannot be easily replaced by machines or AI. This means the skills you build today are likely to be in demand for decades.
Why It Matters to All of Us
The shortage of skilled tradespeople has ripple effects throughout the economy. Project delays, rising costs, and slower infrastructure development can impact housing affordability, economic growth, and even retirement planning timelines. (If you’re interested in how economic trends influence long-term financial strategies, see our article Separating Signal from Noise: A Smarter Way to Invest).
For families guiding young adults in career planning, the trades offer an alternative to traditional college that can result in lower student debt, faster entry into the workforce, and strong earning potential. For business owners and investors, a well-supplied skilled workforce helps maintain healthy growth and keeps projects on track.
Changing the Conversation
Encouraging more young people to consider the trades starts with shifting perceptions. That means highlighting success stories, investing in vocational programs, and talking openly about the financial and lifestyle benefits of these careers. It also means recognizing that choosing the trades is not “settling” for less. It’s strategically moving toward where the demand, opportunity, and financial reward can be.
Just like Sutton’s famous logic about banks, the advice here is straightforward: go where the jobs are. And right now, that means the trades.
If you’d like to discuss how workforce trends, labor shortages, and economic shifts may impact your broader financial plans, connect with us here.
Carlson Investments does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This content has been written for informational purposes only. Always consult your individual tax, legal, or financial professionals for advice tailored to your situation.
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