Kevin Whitmer’s Post

Having options is everything. And, increasingly, more young adults are turning to the trades for career options. Yes, it helps that social media influencers are making it cool, as this piece points out. But never lose sight of what a union career provides: 🚀 Better pay and benefits. Not just a living wage, but a ticket to a better life. 🚀 ZERO student loans from college. 🚀 Job security. 🚀 Better, safer working conditions. 🚀 Earning while you learn as an apprentice. 🚀 Being part of the union community, where someone always has your back. 🚀 Work-life balance. 🚀 Continuous training, learning and skills development. Read about "#BlueCollarCool" and be sure to share with someone who's looking for their perfect fit!

Instead of taking out a predatory loan they'll never be able to pay off to obtain a degree in a white-collar field riddled with uncertainty, Gen Z has (smartly) pivoted to the trades. As reported in The Wall Street Journal yesterday, the number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since tracking began in 2018. With more workers ditching degrees, companies are pivoting as well. In my research last year for Capterra (which I'll 🔗 in the comments), 47% of recruiters said their employer had already or planned to drop college degree requirements from at least some job openings by 2030. If you're still requiring college degrees on job openings, you could unintentionally be missing out on top talent--especially younger workers that increasingly can't afford a degree. In lieu of requiring degrees, #HR departments and recruiters should: 🎯 Prioritize skills-based hiring 💻 Recognize the quality of top-tier "alternative credentials" like coding bootcamps and industry certifications Have you removed college degree requirements from job openings at your employer? If so, how has it affected your hiring? Let me know in the comments.

Construction is Tech Tech is Construction Seperating the two today is an impossibility- from tools, equipment, design, systems, smart facilities, networks and more there is tech at every level of todays construction!

One of the hardest jobs to automate will be in the construction trades. You can even use that expertise to become a successful content creator, and monetize your audience by showcasing your construction expertise. Both skilled trades and healthcare offer great outlooks for job security and growth in the coming years. #Jobs #Careers #FutureofJobs #AI

I'm glad to see more recognition of the skilled trades and the talented individuals who excel in them. Their influence on social media is not just entertaining; it's inspiring a new generation to consider careers that don't necessarily require a traditional four-year degree. The rising interest in vocational programs and apprenticeships reflects a shift in attitudes towards well-paying jobs that offer tangible skills and opportunities for entrepreneurship. It's heartening to see the stereotypes surrounding blue-collar work being challenged by influencers like Chloe Hudson and Matt Panella, who demonstrate the diversity and success within these fields. As someone who values the importance of skilled trades, I wholeheartedly support initiatives that promote these careers to young people. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for showcasing the rewards and possibilities of working in the trades, and it's encouraging to see companies like Pfister Faucets investing in content that highlights the lives of tradespeople. While it's essential to acknowledge the physical demands and challenges associated with trade work, it's also important to recognize the satisfaction and fulfillment that can come from mastering a craft and contributing to essential industries. As David Coleman's story demonstrates, success in the trades isn't just about financial gain; it's about finding purpose and balance in one's life. Encouraging more young people to pursue careers in skilled trades is not only beneficial for them individually; it also strengthens our economy and society as a whole. Let's continue to support and celebrate the skilled trades and the individuals who keep our infrastructure running smoothly.

Gen Z is tearing down the stereotypes that have been built around a career in the trades. More and more, we are seeing this generation recognize that a four-year degree isn't the only option, and there is more than one path to success and happiness in your career. These are the shifts the industry needs to help address the skilled trades gap. It's inspiring to hear first hand from young tradesmen and women the positive impact that a career in the trades is already having on their lives. Read the full The Wall Street Journal article here: https://lnkd.in/ggAHG27q

I worked in corporate for many years and learned so much. Now, as a small business owner of a manufacturing company, I've learned a whole new set of skills. I'm also much closer to the trades in this role than I ever was at corporate. I love working with the students and instructors at the Golden Strip Career and Technology Center and hiring the students through their work-based learning program. I wish more companies would do the same, because there is a huge need for trade professionals and, I believe, it is our responsibility to help train them for the future. This article about Gen Z making trades cool make my heart sing. There is a huge need and opportunity out there for skilled trades and the younger generation needs to know it exists! https://lnkd.in/efWrUpsN

IMO a new paradigm shift in the way we should think and view the trades. They are highly skilled, hard working and make whole lot more money than most graduates for many years! Then with entrepreneurial vision, grit and wherewithal they can become business owners and much more successful than carrying a huge debt from college. Not for everyone, but definitely for more then there is now and these trade career paths should not be overlooked by any means. If college is still a priority then going online or at night can be achieved while training for these highly demanded fields.

So, I know we have a lot of influencers in #aviation like Erika Armstrong Shaesta Waiz talking about becoming a #pilot. But what about the rest of the #careers. This article shows how young people are ellevating #bluecollar careers using #socialmedia and teaching young women about careers in male-dominating fields. It's not surprising videos like this are popular given the popularity of Dirty Jobs and This Old House. #aviation and #aerospace are always complaining how tough it is to interest youngsters in our careers. I'm sure they have videos talking about pilots and #aviationmaintenancetechnicians. But what about #flightdispatch #airtrafficcontrol, #manufacturing? I get that manufacturing may be tough owing to #security but we see #plumbing #welding #electricians in this article -- all of which are needed in our industry. "On TikTok, the hashtag #bluecollar drew 500k posts in the first four months of this year, up 64% over the same period in 2023. Posts hashtagged #electrician increased 77% over the same time, with #constructionworker and #mechanic posting similar jumps, TikTok says. "Many posts tout the wages blue-collar workers can make. Pay for new hires in construction now outstrips pay for new hires in professional services like accounting, according to ADP data. Skilled-trade influencers say they’re also trying to combat decades of stereotypes in which practitioners were seen as grease monkeys or stuck in low-end careers. “We’ve made it more appealing. We have nice vehicles. We own homes, we are successful,” says Matt Panella, 27, a carpenter who drives a Tesla “Kids aren’t going to job sites saying, hey, man, can you hire me? They’re getting to know it on social media, giving them the idea that this is a legit possibility,” says the elder Coffman. https://lnkd.in/eStPASCC

The skilled trades are about to get a serious upgrade! Over the past two decades, we've seen a remarkable transformation in the image of the tradesperson—from a dated stereotype to tech-savvy professionals. Now, get ready for the next generation to take things to a whole new level. Gen Z is embracing blue-collar careers like plumbing and construction, using social media to showcase their work, challenge stereotypes, and attract new talent. This shift is driven by factors like good pay, job security, and a desire for tangible work. With innovative tools and technologies at their fingertips, the future of skilled labor is looking brighter than ever. The skilled trades are becoming "cool" again, defying traditional notions of career success. Exciting times ahead! Check out this article on The Wall Street Journal to learn more! #skilledtrades #bluecollarcool #workwithyourhandz #nextgeneration #innovation #genz #skilledrecruitmentforskilledtrades #recruiting