Building the Next Generation of the Skilled Trades

International Youth Day is an opportunity to recognize the role young people play in shaping what comes next. Today, the United Nations estimates there are approximately 1.2 billion people between the ages of 15 and 24 around the world. Giving the next generation opportunities to learn and build a future for themselves is an important part of preparing for what comes next.

One of those opportunities can be found in the skilled trades.

The construction industry needs its next generation of workers. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the industry will need to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 alone to meet the demand for construction services.

As experienced tradespeople continue to retire, introducing younger generations to careers in construction is becoming increasingly important. For many young people, the skilled trades offer a career path they may not have considered before, one where they can learn a valuable skill, continue to grow, and see the impact of their work every day.

Building the Places We Depend On

Skilled tradespeople play an essential role in the places and communities around us.

Schools, hospitals, universities, businesses, homes, infrastructure and historic buildings all depend on people who know how to build, install, maintain and restore them. These skills cannot simply disappear as one generation leaves the workforce. They have to be learned, practiced and passed along to the next.

That is why creating awareness of careers in the trades matters.

Construction is also much broader than many people may realize. There is no single path into the industry and no single type of work.

At EDA Contractors alone, field careers span several specialized trades, including carpentry, roofing, masonry, glazing, labor and steep slope roofing and historical restoration. Each requires a different skill set, but all contribute to protecting and building the structures people rely on every day.

A Career You Can Build

One of the advantages of entering a skilled trade is that there is a clear path to continue learning and growing.

Someone can begin as an apprentice, learning directly from experienced tradespeople while developing their skills in the field. With experience and training, they can advance to become a journeyperson and eventually move into leadership positions such as foreman, superintendent and other field leadership roles.

Along the way, they are not just building structures. They are building expertise that can support an entire career.

How Do You Get Started?

There is no single way to begin a career in construction, and that is part of what makes the industry so accessible. The right starting point depends on the trade, the type of work you are interested in, and where you want your career to go.

For someone interested in the trades, a few steps can help open the door:

• Complete your education. A high school diploma or GED can be an important first step for many apprenticeships and entry-level opportunities. For those interested in project management, estimating or other construction careers, a degree in construction management or a related field is another path into the industry.
• Look into trade schools and apprenticeship programs. These programs provide hands-on training and can help you begin developing skills specific to a trade.
• Build your safety knowledge. Training such as OSHA 10 can help introduce young workers to the safety expectations of a construction site and may be required for certain jobs or programs.
• Search for entry-level opportunities. You do not need to know everything on day one. Many people begin by finding an opportunity where they can work alongside experienced tradespeople, learn the basics and build from there.
• Explore local unions. Local trade unions and apprenticeship programs can provide another way to enter the industry, receive training and begin building experience.
• Talk to people in the industry. Teachers, family members, contractors, union representatives, career counselors and people already working in the trades can all be valuable resources. Ask questions, make connections and let people know you are interested.

Sometimes getting started is simply about putting yourself out there. Attend a career fair. Reach out to someone whose job interests you. Ask a contractor about opportunities. Apply for an apprenticeship even if you are not sure exactly where it will lead.

But young people also need people willing to open those doors.

As an industry, and as communities, we have a responsibility to make sure the next generation knows what opportunities are available to them. That means sharing our experiences, answering questions, providing training, creating entry points and giving young people the chance to see where a career in the trades could take them.

The future of construction depends on the next generation. It is up to all of us to make sure they have the opportunity and access to be part of it.