Lance Lemcool’s Post

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

Have you heard of “new collar” yet? It’s a fresh take on “blue collar” workers who’ve decided to swap traditional 4-year college for skilled trades education. Especially in trades that pay well and have opportunities for advancement. Our CMO, Anne Marshall, spoke to Forbes last month about the value of skilled workers beyond their degree status— all the more so when it comes to knowledge applied in a real-world setting like #roofing and other home services trades. Have a read. It’s a very insightful article! https://lnkd.in/e2SBWr3E #StronghouseSolutions #RoofingWithCare

“Sheet metal contracting underpins the economy, delivering many construction projects such as commercial office towers, stadiums, hospitals, industrial plants, strip malls and data centers. Nothing can be built without these workers and their employers. Sheet metal work is unique among the trades. It is the only one that takes raw materials and fabricates the architectural pieces, ductwork and HVAC systems they install. Because the role requires full knowledge of the sheet metal lifecycle — from raw materials and fabrication to installation, testing and balancing — employees of unionized contractors must receive at least four years of registered apprentice training before they graduate to journeyperson status and can work on a job site without supervision. The industry is working to attract young men and women by stressing wage and benefit potential, capacity for career growth and opportunities to get paid while learning. For example, upon completing a union sheet metal apprenticeship program, apprentices can earn up to $87,500 in their first year and as much as $120,000 to $200,000 in wages and benefits within four to five years of graduating, depending on union affiliation, career path and location. In contrast, new hires in professional services earned $39,520 last year.”

Seeing more Gen Z choosing skilled trades over college is inspiring. Construction offers real growth, job security, and a chance to make an impact. Let’s continue to innovate, embrace technology, and offer the right support to bring in this new wave of talent. #GenZ #ConstructionFuture #SkilledTrades #GenZWorkforce #FutureOfConstruction #SkilledTrades #ConstructionIndustry #BlueCollarJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #TechInConstruction #ConstructionCareers #VocationalTraining #EmployeeBenefits #HardHatWorkforceSolutions

I'm excited to share some cool research that's especially timely as we enter graduation season here in the US. It's been increasingly clear for at least a decade—arguably two or three—that the traditional college model has been a financial bubble. The consequences have been terrible for far too many students and families. But the next cohorts of high-school students have a historic opportunity to thrive in skilled trades. A new article by my colleagues Ezra Greenberg, Erik Schaefer, and Brooke Weddle describes how US manufacturing and construction companies are struggling to attract and retain workers to meet soaring demand. Leading companies are therefore reimagining how they attract, retain, and develop such talent—creating better long-term career paths for more young people. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eKBZJNnk #Talent #Workforce #SkilledTrades

This is great for America. Gen Z is taking up vocational education and careers in skilled trades. "Enrollment in vocational training programs is surging as overall enrollment in community colleges and four-year institutions has fallen. The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018." Many of those students are getting on the job training as apprentices (like we offer at Whelan Machine & Tool ): "In a survey of high school and college-age people ... last year, 75% said they would be interested in vocational schools offering paid, on-the-job training." Median pay for new hires in trades has exceeded both the professional services and information sectors for the past 4 years in row. In addition to higher pay, those workers have higher levels of overall job satisfaction. "A survey last year of skilled workers ... found that 94% would encourage their own kids or family members to pursue similar occupations." Now would be the time for our Government to create incentives like workforce credits for hiring & training those new workers... #defenseindustry #freedomsforge https://lnkd.in/eipgfNCf  

Gen Z has the power to make anything trend, including skilled trades professions—a positive development given the labor shortage in our industry. By sharing their experiences on social media, young workers are breaking down barriers and stereotypes surrounding construction careers. 💪 Discover how this trend is inspiring a new generation to skill up and join the trades. #bluecollar https://lnkd.in/exuTEEjF

Of all the decisions that 18-year-olds can make about their future, one is becoming more popular: going to trade school. The increasing appeal of skilled trade work is throwing a wrench in the enrollment levels of pricey four-year institutions as more young people opt out of traditional college and opt into vocational programs that offer good pay and stability, per the Wall Street Journal. * The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges increased 16% from 2022 to 2023, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. * The number of students studying construction at two-year undergraduate programs rose ~12% since 2021. Why? Four-year schools used to seem like the most straightforward path to a high salary, but with their costs going up, they also lead to a lot of debt. Meanwhile, a shortage in skilled workers has driven up workers’ earnings: Median pay for construction workers rose more than 5% last year to $48,089, compared to $39,520 for new hires in professional services (like accountants and IT workers), according to payroll provider ADP. Plus…software can’t repair a leak in your roof (yet). In a recent survey, the majority of young people said blue-collar jobs seemed more secure than white-collar ones amid developments in generative AI technology that could render some jobs obsolete. More Gen Z workers are going into trades as disenchantment with the college track continues, and rising pay and new technologies shine up plumbing and electrical jobs. Sourced from the Morning Brew Newsletter.

Embracing the Trades: How Gen Z is Reshaping Career Paths In a world often dominated by traditional career trajectories, there's a refreshing wave of change sweeping through the workforce, led by none other than Generation Z. The latest article from The Wall Street Journal sheds light on this fascinating trend, showcasing how Gen Z is redefining success by embracing trades like plumbing and welding. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d_wUzqUC Traditionally, the narrative around success has often revolved around obtaining a college degree and pursuing white-collar professions. However, Gen Z is challenging these norms, recognizing the value and opportunities presented by skilled trades. This shift is not only reshaping individual career paths but also revitalizing industries that have long been overlooked. Here are some key takeaways from the article: Changing Perceptions: Gen Z is actively challenging the stigma associated with trade jobs, recognizing them as viable, fulfilling career options. Practicality and Opportunity: With rising college costs and uncertain job markets, many Gen Z individuals are turning to trades for their practicality and the abundance of job opportunities available. Skills in Demand: Industries like plumbing, welding, and electrical work are experiencing high demand, offering stable employment and competitive salaries. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Some Gen Zers are leveraging their trade skills to start their own businesses, showcasing a newfound entrepreneurial spirit within the trades. Technological Integration: Even within traditional trades, technology plays a significant role, attracting tech-savvy Gen Z individuals who are eager to innovate and adapt. This article serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of the workforce and the diverse paths to success that Gen Z is forging. It highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting alternative career paths, emphasizing that success can be achieved through various avenues beyond the traditional college route. So, if you're a part of Gen Z or someone looking to explore different career options, consider diving into the world of trades. Whether it's plumbing, welding, or another skilled profession, there's a world of opportunity waiting to be explored. Let's celebrate the ingenuity and ambition of Gen Z as they pave the way for a more inclusive and diversified workforce landscape!

Gen Z is trading textbooks for toolbelts and redefining career success. Dubbed "The Toolbelt Generation" in a recent article by Nexstar Media Group, Inc.'s CW39 Houston, more young people are pursuing skilled labor jobs instead of traditional 4-year degrees. https://lnkd.in/eyhSbtaq This shift makes economic sense. Many skilled trades offer competitive wages and faster paths to employment compared to careers that require expensive college degrees. Plus, the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow. At ToolBelt, we're on a mission to help the Toolbelt Generation build rewarding careers in the trades. Our job marketplace features opportunities from top employers looking for skilled talent.