I'm trying to get a sense of the demand for skilled trade jobs in the United States. How many of these positions are currently unfilled or open? Wondering if it’s a promising path after high school!
Figuring out the best path after high school is a crucial decision, and considering skilled trades is a savvy move. The exact number of unfilled trades jobs in the U.S fluctuates depending on the time, location, particular industry, and economic conditions. However, according to a report from the National Association of Home Builders, there were about 430,000 unfilled construction jobs in the United States as of February 2023. That’s an increase of about 45% compared to a year ago, demonstrating a clear shortage in labor supply.
Across all skill trades, not just construction, estimates suggest millions of jobs go unfilled. The Manufacturing Institute had projected that by 2025, there could be as many as 2 million unfilled manufacturing jobs. And that's just a slice of the sector; other trade jobs like HVAC technicians, welders and electricians face similar shortages.
Overall, exploring a career in the skilled trades could be a promising choice, considering the high demand and shortage of skilled workers in these fields. However, remember that just like any career path, skilled trades have their own set of challenges and opportunities, so thorough research and understanding of what the career entails, as well as potential for growth in your specific area of interest, is advisable.
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