The lack of skilled trades professionals in the construction industry is now a recognized economic problem and one point of concern for future growth. As baby boomers retire from the construction industry, there will be millions of unfilled skilled trades positions open within the the next 5 years. TFAD is dedicated towards providing the necessary education to prepare young men and women to seize these opportunities.
Average Annual increase of available electrician & carpentry positions within the U.S. over the next 6 years
Average Annual openings for Electricians & Carpenters through 2024 in the U.S.
Philadelphia’s goal for minority participation within the construction industry was 32 percent. The findings of the Economic Opportunity Plan Employment Composition Analysis by Econsult Solutions and Milligan and Company, LLC examined minority and female inclusion on over 360 city-funded construction projects, found more than 160 of the construction projects included no women or people of color on the workforce.
In Philadelphia’s FY 2015, 41 percent of skilled minority workers were available to work on city-funded projects only 22 percent were utilized . Traditionally people of color and women within the building trades are the lowest paid
Women make up almost half of the United States workforce however, they are underrepresented in male dominated skilled trade jobs making women a minority.There is also room for women’s representation to grow in construction industries with opportunities for advancement, including leadership and management positions. Tradeswoman career paths can also offer higher average wages versus traditional career paths.
Of Philadelphia small city-funded projects had no minority workforce participation in FY 2016
Of Philadelphia city-funded small projects fell below the city’s 32 percent minority participation goal.
Of Philadelphia firms that conducted mid-range city-funded projects had no minority work force in FY16
The representation of women working in the construction industry
Women in skilled trades make 1.5 Times More Income Than Women In Traditional Career Paths Average trades salary $47,146 Average salary traditional careers $31,426
18 percent of people in construction are self-employed, the second highest of major industries.
Many of the highest paying trades in America are filled with people who began their careers with a short skills-based education from a vocational or technical college.
Salaries vary depending on which field you enter. For example, the median annual wage for electricians is $52,720, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The highest 10 percent of electricians earn more than $90,420. The median annual wage for carpenters is $43,600, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $79,480.
According to Pennsylvania and U.S. government statistics, one of the most in-demand and fastest-growing careers in the skilled trades is the project manager.
According to a recent ACG of America survey, 82% of Pennsylvania construction firms are in need of construction and/or project managers. the average salary for professionals in this field was $99,510 in 2017. And the top-earning construction managers made over $158,330.** Pay is often highest for formally educated people who go on to earn certification such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
Projections indicate that the employment of construction project managers in the U.S. could increase by 11 percent through 2026, which would be an addition of approximately 46,100 project manager positions
Estimate Number of skilled labor jobs that will vacant by 2020 due to baby boomers retiring
Women and people of color must get a proportionate percentage of construction dollars by occupying positions in the upper echelon of the skilled trades. TFAD is dedicated to combating the skilled trades gap through diversity and inclusion.
In efforts to close the skilled trades gap, our programs include training partnerships where we work with firms to establish training programs for student.
Our mentor program pairs experienced skilled tradesmen/tradeswomen and entrepreneurs with students to gain invaluable knowledge and insight for students to accomplish their goals. Our apprentice program places students with TFAD alums and other skilled trades members to get hands on experience . Whether it's positions within local unions, apprenticeships, or higher education, all of these programs allow us to prepare young men and women for more opportunities within the construction industry.
Our mantra, “As a young professional, you must carry yourself with the utmost professionalism. Have conviction with everything you set out to accomplish while exceeding expectations and always lead with the work first.”
When it comes to professionalism and quality work, there are no shortcuts. Our mantra is a tool meant to hold young men and women accountable for their actions and prepare their to reach their full potential in the skilled trades. Through our philosophy and programs we pledge to create more opportunities for young men and women to have successful careers within the skilled trades.
