As tradespeople retire, a major replacement gap is already emerging because not enough trained people are ready to take their place. However, global workforce development stakeholders are working to address this skilled trade shortage by investing in partnerships, strategies, and training models. This proactive work can help ensure homes and businesses continue to operate efficiently with electricity, heating and cooling, and more.
Why Does Traditional Workforce Development Need to Change?
Traditional education pathways aren’t providing enough hands-on technical experience to fill modern Industrial roles. Home economics and shop classes were once common in American high schools, but they eventually faded away. When you look at certain job applications, particularly for the trades, there is a major mismatch between what employers require and the skills available in the current workforce.
Technical vocational job requirements are also rapidly changing due to advanced manufacturing techniques, the use of automation, and digitization with AI. That’s why there is a strong need for more practical, adaptable training programs aligned with real-world business needs and not just theory.
Just as many corporate enterprises have developed recruitment pipelines from major universities and colleges. The same approach can provide access to a technical talent pipeline.
What Vocational Training Models Are Standing Out?
Automotive and manufacturing giant Ford has heavily invested in direct technical training pathways between local schools and colleges. More companies are using a similar partnership approach that creates rapid entry programs, particularly for those skilled in robotics and medical technology.
Mobile trade labs introduce elementary school kids to tools and to building electric vehicles and robotics. This enhanced curriculum can help fight the historical stigma surrounding vocational paths, as children can try out elements of these careers before graduating high school.
More global modern classrooms are also incorporating virtual reality and augmented reality to create simulations that safely and cost-effectively teach students the fundamental mechanical skills they need. Event simulations can help fill a gap for school programs with limited space or budget for enough physical equipment. However, some private enterprises are providing schools with the cutting-edge equipment they can begin using.
Switzerland has a strong apprenticeship approach. The country’s historical collaborations between employers, vocational schools, and government organizations include the Dual-Track Apprenticeship System. Its strong vocational education and training framework has led to as many as 70% of Swiss teenagers choosing the vocational track over traditional University.
Singapore’s education system continuously maps out the technical skills its economy will need in the next 3 to 5 years and adjusts class sizes and curricula accordingly. Citizens benefit from direct state-funded training credits they can continue to use at mid-career. It allows existing workers to pivot into high-demand technical industries like health tech or advanced automation.
How Are Leaders Building a Better Pipeline?
There are initiatives to help encourage a diverse applicant pool from women, younger people, and different ethnicities.
By collaborating with educators, companies can help develop a curriculum based on actual workplace requirements. That way, graduates from the Tulsa Welding School in Dallas and similar programs will be ready to roll into a new career immediately.
Companies are expanding apprenticeships during these partnerships, so students get more hands-on experience before entering full-time employment. More companies also realize they can have even more success by working with people already on their payroll.
Can Existing Tradespeople Help?
Yes, people already in the trade workforce have certifications and years of experience, which they can build on. Current workers are reskilling to meet advanced global energy needs, particularly with the net-zero carbon initiative and strategies to handle an increasingly hot planet.
These workers are learning about:
- Advanced equipment maintenance
- Digital manufacturing
- Robotics
As clean energy continues to become the norm, there is a need for:
- Solar panel manufacturing and maintenance
- Wind turbine construction and maintenance
- Installing new and maintaining HVAC systems
They Provide Word-of-Mouth
There’s power in referrals. If someone has worked as a career electrician, welder, or oil rig worker, they can give people in their circle insight into what they do, how much it pays, and the education they should get to have a secure career. Give your existing team members incentives to make referrals by supplying bonuses and clear information on how to do so.
What About Measurable Results and Challenges?
As companies and schools develop more recruitment techniques and programs, many are analyzing and setting KPIs regarding recruitment and development successes, and the gaps that remain.
Some common barriers they may face include:
- Training costs
- Instructor shortages
- Limited access to equipment
- Poor marketing about job openings and trade training programs
Global Trades Are Booming and Ready for More Workers
Many countries understand the impact of various skilled trades, from welding to healthcare tech to vehicle automation. As a result, stakeholders are helping more students understand these industries as early as primary school, doing better marketing, and training existing workers who can benefit from technological advances in these fields. As things progress, they may be able to close the gap between retirees and newcomers.
