Skilled Trades Shortage: Part 2

A couple of weeks ago, we presented some eye-popping statistics about the shortage of Skilled Tradesman. Earlier this year, we were pleased to hear that targeted training and apprenticeship programs across the country were receiving $600 million in competitive grants to support tradesmen and apprentices.

In an op-ed for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram by Klein Tools President, Tom Klein, we echoed the sentiment about finding skilled workers. Klein Tools recently opened a state-of-the-art heat treat facility in Mansfield, Texas, but as Klein writes, “It’s not enough to build a plant with the world’s best technology; you have to find and train the world’s best people to use that technology correctly.”

Mid-sized manufacturers face unique challenges apart from small and large competitors in ensuring demands are met and there is enough trained staff to turn out quality products on-time and on-budget. That’s why Klein Tools has given free online training to tradesmen to make sure they have the technical knowledge needed when the world is changing at such a fast pace around them. Klein also sponsors a Million Dollar Pledge to the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry (NJATC) to support industry training and education to make sure the tradesmen who are coming up the ranks know the skills they need in order to be successful for their company and their community.

Klein Tools is passionate about targeted training and apprenticeship programs to fill the shortage of professional tradesman because we understand that well-paying jobs benefit local communities and keeps American-made products the best in the world. We encourage you to find out more about becoming an electrician or any of the skilled trades. Here are some great resources: