If you’ve recently had a major home project that needed the skills of laborers such as electricians and plumbers, you (and your wallet!) are aware that the shortage of skilled labor in the United States is hurting everyone.
These makers help keep infrastructure in top shape and homes and businesses running efficiently, and they care for countless other things you may not even think about until you suddenly find yourself in the position of needing one.
The shortage of makers and skilled labor is a problem that’s bad now and shows no signs of getting any better. In fact, it shows more signs of growing before long.
Issues Behind the Shortage of Makers
One issue is the number of people leaving the skilled labor force as the Baby Boomer generation heads toward retirement. While vast numbers of makers are leaving the force, not many Millennials or Gen Zers are picking up where they left off.
One huge reason for this, according to Forbes magazine, is the push for a one-size-fits-all model for teenagers to attend a traditional four-year college after high school. What this model has ignored is the very obvious fact that one size does NOT fit all.
A traditional university experience is not a good fit for all high-school graduates. However, with a growing culture in education of measuring a high school’s educational value against high college-entrance test scores or the percentage of graduates who go on to seek degrees, many high-school guidance offices are missing the opportunity to promote non-collegiate post-secondary options.
Skilled labor is not the fallback job it was once seen as. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. According to a report by NPR, the wage for skilled labor is steadily climbing due to high demand for this kind of work. Meanwhile, the return on investment for someone who has earned a bachelor’s degree is softening.
While high school students are being directed almost exclusively down the degree route, highly skilled jobs that require fewer years of a more affordable education sit unfilled. And this means trouble for the U.S. economy.
Reviving the Skilled Trades
The founder of Hub & Spoke, David Decker, envisioned a solution to this problem that’s quite simple in its concept and brilliant in its mission. Seeking to end the stigma that often surrounds skilled trades, they created a $14 million complex, Hub & Spoke, that endeavors to bring back the appeal of learning skilled trades.
In particular, the Hub & Spoke Institute allows young people to work collaboratively with peers and the newest technological advances that will prepare them for the skilled workforce. Hub & Spoke also offers local companies a chance to find skilled workers to fill their empty positions. These positions provide students with direct access to internships and jobs that will give them an opportunity to hone their skills even further.
Hub & Spoke is a pipeline for the surrounding economy of Fishers, Ind. The innovative facilities of Hub & Spoke will attract students who prefer working with their hands and who aren’t in any way interested in sitting behind a desk all day at work. Students will also work with industry partners seeking motivated and highly skilled members for their workforce.
If you are looking for a career that involves creativity and ingenuity, click here to learn more about the opportunities at Hub & Spoke. If you want to get involved with Hub & Spoke and help us reverse the shortage of makers, connect with us today!
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