Skilled labor gap remains in the utility industry

Abstract

This research was conducted to examine factors that may impact a student from choosing to pursue a career in the skilled trades after high school. Company XYZ's projections show that 27.9% of the workforce will be eligible for retirement over the next five years and 41% over the next 10 years of which 47% of its workforce is skilled trades personnel. There is a substantial gap in the skilled trades workforce that needs to be filled. The research results demonstrated students lack both expose and education of the skilled trades as a career choice. Company XYZ can use these results to work with the K-12 education system and community to fill the gap in the skilled trades.