With demand for skilled trades workers on the rise, organizations across the country are investing in training initiatives to help address labor shortages in essential fields such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. The push comes as federal data shows these professions are expected to grow at rates far above the national average over the next decade.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook projects an 8% growth rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (HVAC-R), creating an estimated 40,100 openings annually through 2034. Electricians are expected to see even stronger demand, with a 9% projected growth rate and approximately 81,000 job openings per year. Meanwhile, employment for plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, and general maintenance and repair workers is forecast to grow by 4%.
“Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force,” the BLS noted.
Private-sector leaders are stepping up to meet this challenge with financial commitments to expand access to training.
In August, Schneider Electric announced a $100,000 investment in The SkillPointe Foundation to fund $3,000 scholarships for individuals training in building energy management, automation, and other high-demand technical fields. The program builds on earlier SkillPointe scholarship initiatives in Boston, Dallas, and New York City.
“Skilled career scholarships unlock life-changing opportunities — not just for individuals, but for companies and communities across America,” said Alvin Townley, founding executive director of the SkillPointe Foundation.
The Home Depot Foundation also increased its support for workforce development, committing $10 million to expand skilled trades training. This includes a $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to expose young people to careers in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing through the Foundation’s Path to Pro program. The two-year pilot, launching in Atlanta, Phoenix, and Houston, will introduce more than 1,000 children and teens to construction trades. Additional grants will assist veterans enrolling in accredited trade schools.
Despite rising demand, interest among young workers remains limited. A Harris Poll released in July found that only 38% of Gen Z respondents believe skilled trades offer the best job opportunities today, while just 36% strongly agree the trades provide a faster and more affordable path to a good career.
This gap in perception poses challenges for recruiting the next generation of tradespeople.
Beyond corporate investments, national business leaders are also taking action. A Business Roundtable workforce initiative launched this summer — spearheaded by the CEOs of Carrier and Lowe’s — aims to promote trades training across industries including industrial manufacturing, construction and building, maintenance and repair, and energy.
Meanwhile, employment for facilities managers and administrative services positions is also expected to grow 4%, translating to about 36,400 new openings over the next decade, according to the BLS.
As demand for housing, infrastructure, and building services continues to rise, industry experts say scaling training programs will be critical. With labor shortages already straining project timelines and driving up costs, investments from both corporations and nonprofits are seen as essential to ensuring the pipeline of skilled workers keeps pace with economic growth.
Originally reported by Joe Burns in Construction Dive.
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