From Wires to Pipes: Which Skilled Trades are Hitting the Breaking Point?
The math of the modern workforce is broken: for every five tradespeople retiring, only two are entering the trades. This 5-to-2 deficit is creating a “perfect storm” across seven critical industries.
The SEVEN TRADES: By the Numbers
Construction holds the largest total volume of unfilled roles, but it isn’t the only trade in trouble. Here is the breakdown of the projected gap for the seven trades analyzed in our first round of research (more research to come!):
| Trade | Projected OPEN Jobs by 2030 | Gap Severity (% of workforce) |
| Construction | 454,000 | 33% |
| Electricians | 281,000 | 35% |
| Mechanics | 149,000 | 37% |
| Plumbers | 129,000 | 25% |
| Carpenters | 184,000 | 13% |
| Welders | 104,000 | 8% |
| HVAC | 89,000 | 6% |
The “Acute” Factor
While Construction has the most jobs to fill, Mechanics and Electricians are facing the most “acute” shortages. With 37% of the Mechanic workforce missing, the impact on supply chains and transportation will be felt at across the nation.
What is Driving the Gap?
It isn’t just retirements. Our research found four key drivers:
- Growth Demand (44%): We are building and needing more than ever.
- Annual Openings (39%): Natural turnover.
- Retirements (21%): The “Silver Tsunami” of exiting experts.
- New Entrant Offset (4%): The current rate of new workers only fills a tiny fraction of the actual need.
