Where Did All the Craftsmen Go? Why the Trades Deserve a Second Look
Where Did All the Craftsmen Go? Why the Trades Deserve a Second Look
There’s a quiet crisis forming in America—not driven by technology or politics, but by absence. Fewer and fewer young people are entering the trades, and as seasoned craftsmen retire, a vacuum is forming in construction, remodeling, and the skilled labor industries that keep the country running. It's not loud. It's not dramatic. But if you've tried to find a good roofer, plumber, or framer lately, you already know it's real.
As someone who's spent over three decades in the construction and insurance industries, I’ve watched this shift happen firsthand. I’ve seen the pride in craftsmanship slowly get replaced with a cultural push toward desk jobs and degrees. And don’t get me wrong—higher education has its place. I earned my Doctor of Business Administration and now teach business courses at the university level. But I didn’t start there. I pursued my education while serving in the United States Marine Corps and working full-time in the trades. I earned my credentials the hard way—nights, weekends, and early mornings on job sites. I say that not to impress, but to make a simple point: the trades and education are not mutually exclusive. They can build on each other, and together, they can shape a deeply fulfilling career.
There’s honor in the trades. There’s meaning in building something with your hands that didn’t exist before you touched it. And for many young people, there's untapped opportunity—real careers that pay well, are in high demand, and provide a clear path to ownership, entrepreneurship, and personal satisfaction.
We need roofers who show up and get it done right. We need framers who understand structure. Electricians who take pride in precision. Tile installers who see beauty in symmetry. We need people who take pride in building, not just consuming. The world may be going digital, but we still need homes to live in, offices to work in, and schools to learn in.
Construction work isn't easy—but that's exactly why it's fulfilling. It demands skill, commitment, and a get-it-done attitude. For those willing to learn, it offers something most jobs can’t: visible, tangible results. You finish your day with something real to point to—a wall raised, a roof completed, a house brought back to life.
If you're a young person trying to figure out what to do with your life—or a parent advising a teenager—take a serious look at the trades. Don’t buy the myth that working with your hands means you're not smart or capable. Some of the best problem-solvers and entrepreneurs I’ve ever met wore tool belts, not blazers.
The dearth of tradespeople isn’t just a labor issue—it’s a cultural one. And reversing it starts by restoring the respect this work deserves. Skilled trades are not backup plans. For many, they are the main event.
If you're looking for purpose, independence, and a chance to make a real impact, the construction industry might just be your calling.
