The skilled trades are in trouble. Recruitment into these occupations which are a critical part of the nation’s workforce and play key roles in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and repair have been lacking for decades. There’s a growing concern that as baby boomers retire, there are not enough skilled trade workers in the pipeline to fill these critical jobs. This trend has especially been felt within Hampton Roads in the shipbuilding and construction sectors of the local economy. Dr. Quentin Kidd, Director of the Judy Ford Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University says “people want their children to be doctors or lawyers, but not police officers or HVAC technicians, and the perception of prestige is pretty dramatic.” This week, Educationally Speaking, continues its look into the skilled trades shortage with a series of interviews including Dr. Kidd of CNU and Susan English, Thomas Nelson Community College Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Workforce Development. 

Educationally Speaking airs weekdays at 11: 04 a.m. on 89.5 WHRV FM. Listen to past episodes. 

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