I am often left asking this question. Where have all the tradesmen gone? In years past it wasn’t a problem finding able-bodied men and women interested in working a good paying job to do manual labor, but after the Great Recession of 2008 lots of skilled tradesmen left the job market and just never returned.

Craftsmen can be blessed to work on some of the most unique and historically significant structures in the region. Unique architecture that is often times just as much art as engineering. Yet the struggle to find people who are willing to swing a hammer and work outdoors is stunningly difficult.

The skilled tradesmen shortage in the U.S. cannot be traced to a solitary reason but there are many factors that created this situation. Here are 10 reasons contributing to the skilled tradesmen shortage in the U.S.:

1. Aging workforce: Many skilled tradesmen are reaching retirement age, and there aren’t enough younger workers to replace them.
2. Stigma surrounding trade careers: Society often places a higher value on college degrees, causing many young people to overlook trade careers.
3. Lack of exposure and education: Many high schools have reduced or eliminated vocational training programs, limiting exposure to trade skills.
4. Misconceptions about income potential: Many people believe that trade careers offer lower salaries compared to jobs requiring college degrees, which is not always the case.
5. Shifting economy: As the U.S. economy has shifted from manufacturing to service-based, fewer people have pursued trade skills.
6. Increasing technology: Advancements in technology have automated some trade jobs, reducing the demand for certain skilled tradesmen.
7. Insufficient training programs: There is a lack of accessible and affordable training programs for those interested in pursuing trade careers.
8. Immigration policies: Stricter immigration policies have reduced the number of skilled tradesmen coming from other countries to work in the U.S.
9. Economic downturns: During recessions, the construction industry is often hit hard, leading to layoffs and fewer people entering trade careers.
10. Physical demands: Some trade careers are physically demanding, which may deter some people from pursuing them as long-term career options.

Addressing these issues through education, training, and societal perception shifts could help alleviate the skilled tradesmen shortage in the United States.

Contractors are also increasing investments in their internal training programs in an effort to address the fact many candidates lack the basic hard and soft skills needed to be successful.