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Chris Nelson is the Chairman and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker. The opinions are the author’s own.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, a rewarding career is being redefined for generations to come.
Our future technological, energy and commercial leadership depends on creating workforce pathways to embrace, grow and sustain the skilled trades. These jobs offer high income potential and a job satisfaction rate of 90%.according to Angie. Collaborations and partnerships between public and private entities are critical to the success of a skilled workforce.
Fortunately, strong partnerships are already in place.
The origin story of the return of skilled trades is well documented by recent data projecting a future shortage of skilled trades. Over the next decade, US industries are projected to face a critical shortage of workers: 650,000 construction and mining job offers are projected each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Addressing this shortage of tradesmen requires three fundamental changes in the way trades are approached: access, capacity and attitude. Historically, access has been hindered by a lack of funding opportunities for students to enter the trades. Capacity is affected by limited places and resources, ranging from tools to funds, at available trade schools. The attitude in the culture continues to elevate professional service occupations over careers in building things.
That’s about to change.
From Wednesday, students will be eligible to apply for Pell scholarships to help fund their business career and technical education programs. This is a welcome expansion beyond current rules that limit funding to traditional four-year universities and colleges. These funds can now cover welding certificates, HVAC training and other high-demand industries.
Chris Nelson
Permission granted by Stanley Black and Decker
This change marks an important and critical shift in the way our country values post-baccalaureate education, recognizing that competency-based learning is just as important to our economy as a traditional four-year degree, while breaking down barriers to entry into skilled trades. Simply put, it’s an investment in America’s future workforce, and for my industry, that’s a potential game changer.
America’s economic success for the next 250 years will depend on technology, energy and trade leadership that can only be achieved through the strong foundation of our merchants. The foresight of this Congress and this administration to open up federal programs to tradespeople will undoubtedly unlock a stronger pipeline of skilled workers and builders.
It is my hope, and my expectation, that this change will also lead to even more excitement and celebration for students choosing careers in the trades. The opportunity to encourage and support this future generation is something we cannot afford to miss.
