A Workforce at Risk : Industry Must Step Up

Across the United States, industries reliant on skilled trades are confronting a mounting workforce crisis. The diminishing influx of young professionals into these fields underscores the urgent need for proactive industry involvement in workforce development. Jack Seilus, a 27-year-old insurance professional specializing in construction firms and a board member of "Put Tools in Schools," offers a unique perspective on how industry engagement can shape the future workforce—and the costly consequences of inaction. WATCH VIDEO BELOW

The Industry Gap: A Workforce at Risk

The skilled labor shortage in the U.S. is not a distant threat but a present challenge. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that in 2023, the construction industry faced an average of 383,917 job vacancies per month, while approximately 480,333 individuals with experience in this field were seeking employment. This imbalance highlights the complexities within the labor market, where the number of unemployed workers with experience exceeds the available job openings, yet specific skilled positions remain unfilled.

Reader Precision Solutions: https://readerprecision.com/bridging-the-gap-addressing-the-skilled-trades-labor-shortage-in-manufacturing/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/understanding-americas-labor-shortage-the-most-impacted-industries?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Seilus views this issue through both workforce and insurance lenses. "If there isn’t work in the trades, if there aren’t enough employees and no future generation in the trades going forward, a lot more things go wrong than just the insurance side," he explains.

PRIDE Industries: https://www.prideindustries.com/our-stories/skilled-trades?utm_source=chatgpt.com

From a risk assessment standpoint, an understaffed workforce leads to increased liability concerns. Overworked employees, rushed projects, and a lack of experienced professionals can result in safety violations, project delays, and higher rates of workplace accidents. These factors drive up insurance premiums, making it more expensive for construction firms to operate—ultimately discouraging new projects and further exacerbating the skilled labor shortage.

Industry’s Role: Recruitment, Engagement, and Inspiration

While educational institutions play a critical role in preparing students for various careers, Seilus emphasizes that industries themselves must actively attract and train the next generation of workers. "We need industry help. That’s probably the biggest piece of the puzzle right now," he asserts.

Direct industry involvement in schools through career days, apprenticeship partnerships, and educational outreach programs is a solution gaining traction. "We’re really good at setting up trades career days, but we need professionals—plumbers, HVAC specialists, electricians—to step up and engage with young people. They need to see firsthand what a career in the trades looks like," Seilus adds.

et Jack Seilus, and insurance professional and PTIS Board Member.

[article continues]

Organizations like "Put Tools in Schools" provide a framework for industry professionals to connect with students, showcasing the opportunities available through vocational training and apprenticeships. The organization also maintains a resources page where industry leaders can list training programs, simplifying the process for students to find pathways into the trades.

Apprenticeships: A Clear Path to Success

One of the most compelling incentives for young people considering the trades is the ability to earn while they learn. "Students can get paid to learn on the job and start a fulfilling career without the burden of student debt," Seilus emphasizes. "They can walk out of high school on a Wednesday with a diploma and go to work on Monday, making money in the trades."

Many apprenticeship programs also cover the cost of technical education, ensuring that students not only gain hands-on experience but also receive the certifications needed to advance in their careers. Industry leaders must make these opportunities visible and accessible, removing barriers that may deter students from pursuing a skilled trade.

The Call to Action: Industry Must Invest in the Future

The future of skilled trades depends on industry professionals stepping up—now. Whether it’s volunteering at career days, offering apprenticeships, or contributing to outreach programs, the involvement of those already in the field is crucial to inspiring the next generation.

Seilus and "Put Tools in Schools" are working to bridge the gap, but they can’t do it alone. "It takes a village," he says. "If we don’t take action now, we’ll all be facing the consequences—higher costs, increased risks, and a declining workforce. But if we step up, engage, and inspire, we can build a strong, skilled workforce for the future."