Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap: How VEC Is Inspiring the Next Generation

Understanding the Skilled Trades Shortage

According to Bring Back the Trades, the United States is facing a critical shortage of skilled trade workers. An estimated 1.4 to 2.1 million jobs in key trades—such as electrical, HVAC, and plumbing—are projected to go unfilled by 2030. This shortage is largely driven by an aging workforce; for every two skilled workers who enter the field, five retire. Combined with declining interest from younger generations, this gap could result in more than $300 billion in lost GDP.

To meet current demand, the construction industry needs approximately 150,000 new workers each year. Despite strong demand and the potential for stable, well-paying careers, only 36% of Gen Z believes skilled trades offer a faster and more affordable path than college. As a company, VEC is committed to helping bridge this gap.

How VEC Is Making an Impact

For the past several years, VEC has partnered with local high schools and technical schools to educate students about what a career in the skilled trades really looks like. One of our longtime field superintendents, Keith Ferry, regularly participates in these presentations, sharing his personal path into the trades and explaining what students can expect from both the apprenticeship and the job itself.

Keith also brings a variety of tools to demonstrate how modern technology improves efficiency and safety in the field. Students have the opportunity to try these tools themselves, performing tasks such as cutting wire and strut, bending conduit, and making terminations. He also shares the tools he used as an apprentice, offering a clear comparison that highlights how far the industry has evolved.

Why Skilled Trades Are a Strong Career Path

The presentation concludes with a discussion on earnings and the concept of “learning while you earn.” Keith explains that a five-year apprenticeship combines classroom instruction with hands-on training through local contractors. Upon completion, apprentices become journeyman wiremen with five years of experience, a solid wage history, and—just as importantly—no student loan debt.

Beyond high demand, one of the biggest advantages of a career in the skilled trades is the lower cost of entry. Apprenticeships allow individuals to begin earning immediately while gaining valuable, real-world experience—making it a practical and financially sound alternative to traditional higher education.

Presentations like Keith’s expose students to a viable and rewarding alternative to the traditional college-after-high-school path. It’s one of the many ways VEC is working to inspire high school—and even middle school—students to consider the skilled trades and recognize the long-term value of a hands-on, in-demand career.