Is There a Shortage of Skilled Labor in the US?

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Are you entering the workforce or changing careers? Did you know there is a shortage of skilled labor in the U.S.? There is a demand for trade professionals like welders, HVAC technicians, and electricians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for HVAC technicians¹ and electricians² in the next decade is projected to grow 6 percent. The good news is that Tulsa Welding School (TWS) offers trade programs that can be completed in months rather than years. Let us prepare you for a lifelong career as a skilled laborer.

Is There a Shortage of Skilled Labor in the U.S.?

The short answer is yes. There is a demand for skilled labor in the U.S. Some of the reasons for the shortage include:

Baby Boomer Retirement

Baby boomers make up the largest generational segment of the workforce and they are approaching retirement age. They will be leaving skilled labor roles to younger generations. Tulsa Welding School is working to close the gap in the shortage of skilled workers in Tulsa, Jacksonville, Houston and Dallas Metro campuses.

Have You Considered a Career in the Skilled Trades?

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Lack of Access to Affordable Childcare

Many skilled workers care for younger children, and childcare is no longer affordable. Some skilled labor workers have opted to stay home and find alternative work options like remote work rather than pay for childcare. Not to mention, childcare services are facing challenges themselves, making it harder for skilled workers to find reliable childcare³.

The Pandemic

At the height of the pandemic, 120,000 businesses temporarily closed, leaving more than 30 million workers unemployed³. The pandemic caused a major disruption in the labor force, especially among skilled labor. In 2022, more than 50 million workers quit their jobs⁴. 17% of those workers who quit their jobs in 2022 retired. We are seeing the trend rectify itself, but there is still a shortage of skilled labor in the U.S.

Since the pandemic’s disruption, the younger generation has prioritized personal growth over the job search. 36% say they are focused on acquiring new skills, education, or training before re-entering the job market³. Not only does that mean fewer workers in the current workforce, but when candidates enter the workforce, they will have additional education, creating a competitive hiring situation. This is another reason to complete a trade program at Tulsa Welding School.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, many unemployed workers start businesses rather than return to skilled labor positions³. 5.5 million new companies were started in 2023. The younger generation is moving away from skilled labor and toward digital commerce.

Want to Learn More?

At Tulsa Welding School, we are dedicated to helping you change your life and leading you to lifetime fulfillment and success. In addition to our supportive faculty and staff, our hands-on training programs are created with feedback from companies that employ skilled trades professionals. We train you in the types of skills that employers look for in a worker.

To learn more about our trade programs, contact us at Tulsa Welding School or call (214) 227-9911.