Let’s Get to Work: Apprenticeship Data Is Encouraging

By: Josh Quinter
Quinter Corbett, P.C.

The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association is working hard, in partnership with NCCER, to complete its metal building assembly education program.  These modules will form the foundation of an industry specific apprenticeship program that will support the growth of the metal building industry for years to come.  The time has never been better to accelerate the Association’s efforts and get the apprenticeship program going full speed.

Here are some important data points to consider and share:

1. Regardless of one’s political persuasion, it cannot be denied that the Trump Administration and Congress have set the table for the onshoring of a large number of companies and a healthy increase in U.S. manufacturing that will demand skilled labor to both build and run. 
   
   
2. Polling shows that 60% of Gen Z Americans are pursuing skilled trade work, an increase of as much as 20% over the last several years.
   
   
3. Average pay in the skilled trades is now equal to or more than many four-year degrees; and those working in the trades are increasingly experiencing better employment stability as compared to their “white-collar” peers.

It seems that almost every contractor is reporting a lack of sufficient skilled labor and ever increasing wage requirements due to the shortage.  The summary: young people seem ready to jump and employers will be willing to hire properly trained personnel.

There are a number of opportunities to help people get into and through apprenticeship programs.  To name just a small number, recent legislation expanded 529 savings plans to help pay for trade certifications.  The application of Pell Grants has also been expanded to include the skilled trades.  Finally, the Department of Labor has awarded over $229 million in grants to expand apprenticeships and started an initiative to integrate AI skills into registered apprenticeship programs.

In short, the long awaited opportunity to get more people into the metal building industry seems to be arriving on our doorstep.  We need to be ready to answer the knock on the door.  If we don’t answer, we may face continued workforce issues for a decade or more.  If you have the ability to help with the curriculum committee or the apprenticeship program here at MBCEA, this is your call to arms.  Now is the time. 

Learn more about joining the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association and read additional workforce-training articles.