A key component of the national skilled worker shortage is a lack of societal focus on the skilled trades as a viable career opportunity compounded by an expectation that nearly all youth attend college.
A recent survey by Thumbtack—a national organization of skilled trades small businesses—found 82% of young adults were told college is the only way to become successful and 59% said they felt pressure to attend a four-year college from family or society.
This has led to a number of problems, not the least of which is the well-publicized dearth of skilled trades people.
“It is difficult to attract potential employees in today’s workforce,” said Karen Flynn, a recruiter with Lithia Driveway/Carbone Cars
“We had some serious problems getting talent into the doors. We’ve had to turn down jobs because we didn’t have the people to handle them,” added Patrishia Sheremeta, Human Resources Manager for Greno Industries.
But that is changing thanks to Capital Region BOCES, other BOCES across the state and trade schools across the country.
Capital Region BOCES has worked extensively in recent years to boost partnerships with local, regional and even national employers to boost the skilled labor workforce.
The Career & Technical Education Center works with more than 300 businesses, unions, technical schools and institutions of higher education to prepare youths and adults for the in-demand careers in the skilled workforce. A quarter of the programs offered by BOCES provide students with a pipeline to careers in the construction trades.
That combined with outreach to youth through component school districts, skilled-worker fairs and more has led to near-record enrollment at CTE this year and waiting lists for nearly all programs.
Students said they appreciate the training BOCES offers and the introduction to a career that does not always require a college education, though some students do pursue additional training in college or trades schools.
“I plan to go to work for the union after graduation,” said Emily Grace Michaud, a Building Trades program senior from Voorheesville. “I like that you get to work with your hands. I can’t just sit around all day.”
Manufacturing and Machining Technology junior Xavier Hotaling said BOCES is allowing him to learn skills that will lead to a good career with hands-on work.
“I didn’t know anything about manufacturing but what I saw in a few videos. Now, I get to have fun in class, work on machines and create cool projects,” said the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk student.
For more information on career and technical education programs offered by BOCES, visit the website at https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/.