A recent survey conducted by the Skilled Careers Coalition asked students, counselors and parents to share their views regarding skilled trades versus college and military career paths, according to Construction Executive.
Construction Executive shares the following findings from the survey.
- Citing a lack of information about opportunities, only 15% of students surveyed were considering a technical/vocational school or apprenticeship after high school.
- Ninety-two percent of students, 91.3% of counselors and 80.3% of parents surveyed agree skilled-trade workers are as important as first responders and service members.
- Sixty-nine percent of students said it is outdated to assume a four-year degree is the best pathway to success.
- Eighty percent of parents said they have the most influence on their child’s decision making, but 48.8% admit they do not have enough information about starting the technical or vocational school process.
- Eighty-four percent of parents believe skilled trades provide a stable career path, less time in school, less debt and an overall better quality of life.
- More than half (53.9%) of counselors surveyed cite a lack of resources to help guide students interested in pursuing skilled trades or vocational programs.
- Ninety percent of counselors surveyed agree they need to share more information with students and parents about a skilled-career option.
- Seventy-six percent of all respondents agree a career in the skilled trades can lead to entrepreneurial success.
Sharing information is key to bringing young people into the industry. Visit NRCA’s Recruitment Tools webpage and Careersinroofing.com to ensure you have the materials you need to help recruit workers.
