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  ##  Opening Doors to the Skilled Trades 

   [Infographic](/taxonomy/term/111)    | 19 May 2025  

 This infographic shares data about the skilled trades, the most in-demand skilled trades in the U.S., and the advantages of a skilled trade over a desk job. To learn how public libraries can expand their job and career services to the skilled trades, [download the free playbook](/resources/library-services-skilled-trades).



  

 

 ![An infographic about the state of skilled trades and hiring trends](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/0ed2e8d9-c56d-4ec4-8369-087a807b6ea5/skilled-trades-workforce-development-infographic.png)

 

####  Alternative Text Format |   [  Download ](javascript:void(0))  

 ### Opening Doors to the Skilled Trades

 <a style="display:none; "> Ref Link: https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/86421</a>#### Public Libraries and Workforce Development

### Opening Doors to the Skilled Trades

About 12 million people make up the skilled trades workforce, with more than 40 percent aged 45 and older. Only around 9 percent of those aged 19-24 are entering the trades, leading experts to forecast a shortage in skilled trades workers. This presents an opportunity for job seekers in your community.

#### What skilled trades workers have to say

- 87% say they’re happy in their jobs
- 94% would encourage family members to pursue a career in the skilled trades
- 95% are optimistic about their job security, even in the face of artificial intelligence
- 95% are optimistic about their earnings potential
- 93% anticipate exciting career growth opportunities
- 92% believe they can learn new skills or advanced technologies in their trade

#### Advantages of a skilled trade over a desk job

- A more flexible schedule
- A faster educational program
- A less expensive education and/or less debt
- Quicker entry into the workforce
- The ability to be your own boss
- Financial security

#### Most in-demand skilled trades in the U.S.

- Automotive Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Welder
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Manufacturing Technician
- Millwright
- Over the Road Truck Driver

**BlueCareer from EBSCOlearning** can help job seekers and career changers in your community explore and prepare for a career in the skilled trades. [Learn more](/products/ebscolearning/bluecareer "BlueCareer from EBSCOlearning")

**Sources**

BlueCareer from EBSCOlearning. (2023). State of the trades: Hiring trends Q4-2023.

PeopleReady. (2022, July 19). *Skilled trades labor scarcity: Workforce aging as fewer recruits enter trades*. Retrieved from <https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skilled-trades-labor-scarcity-workforce-aging-as-fewer-recruits-enter-trades-301589407.html>

Steckel, D. (2023, August 24). *Young people want skilled trade careers — so what’s stopping them*? Thumbtack. \[blog\]. Retrieved from <https://blog.thumbtack.com/young-people-want-skilled-trades-careers-so-whats-stopping-them-cab3fc35a846>



 

  

 

#### Ready to take the next step?



 

[Learn more about BlueCareer](/products/ebscolearning/bluecareer)

 

 

 

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