Mike Rowe: Why The Skills Gap And Job Shortage Persists

Mike Rowe, host of "Somebody's Gotta Do It", discusses why the U.S. has so many job openings in fields such as construction and manufacturing, and not enough people to fill them.
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Mike Rowe: Why The Skills Gap And Job Shortage Persists | CNBC

[@podsmpsg1]

Employers are too picky. Schools aren't preparing students for the workforce, they're too busy indoctrinating. Employers want experience, say you need to have a certain type of experience and a certain amount of experience, but you can't get experience if nobody will give you a chance. You shouldn't have to go to technical school/trade school, technical school only increases the chance of a job, it doesn't guarantee a job.

[@oneloveonebeing]

they tell people to go to college and get an education for 18 years of their life. then all of sudden wonder why people arent going to learn a trade.... i mean

[@davidbrown8303]

Most trade jobs are labor intensive.

[@chancebaars797]

Don't forget the student loans....

[@L1nkn1vy]

oneloveonebeing Seriously. A lot of these skilled no college work jobs have no room for growth and won't keep up with inflation also. They can also be vulnerable to automation eventually.

[@Grupo_SONAR]

oneloveonebeing how about you learn to write.... i mean

[@Troph2]

Dirt, I'm a certified welder (13 years) you have no idea what you are talking about, ok not every job will be automated but it pushes those that did to compete with those jobs that didn't creating wage stagnation. welding has been an employers market for last 10 years.

[@arandomperson420]

“Don’t follow your dreams follow opportunity and keep your dreams close by” -Mike Rowe

[@mba2ceo]

translation "I need slaves"

[@MrFighter28]

@@mba2ceo slaves don’t get paid or benefits 🤓

[@mourice1669]

@@mba2ceo there will always be people better than you

[@josevillarreal9920]

There's plenty of skilled trade these contractors are just GREEDY and don't want to pay. They try to get people to do this work for $15 an hr and go thru great lengths to use Temp Personnel Co.'s so they don't have to commit.

[@MrKdebolt]

Join a union

[@josevillarreal9920]

@@MrKdebolt And only use union contractors.

[@chrisburns5691]

I don't think any GC is going to try and attempt to hire a carpenter for 15 bucks an hour and expect a good result. Laborer sure 15 bucks an hour. Depends where you are I guess wages vary.

[@ollieone051]

Yeah this is true for states with weak unions. I live in Missouri and make close to 100k a year. That doesn't even count my free health insurance or the pension my employer is responsible for funding. Union carpenter!

[@briansullivan1621]

@@ollieone051 yes !!!!

[@sorzin2289]

The labor pool is not deep enough to depress wages is what these corporations are really saying.

[@carryclass6807]

EXACTLY!

[@dirksharp9876]

Well, it was nice while it lasted at least.

[@rs72098]

The days of low wages are over, the minimum wage laws won't even matter as there will come a time when even Illegal immigrants won't accept low wages. Workers are in short supply around the world because birth rates have fallen and will continue to fall.

[@dirksharp9876]

@@rs72098 Hopefully reality catches up with the rhetoric soon.

[@carryclass6807]

@@rs72098 for most people looking for work, there is no labor shortage.

[@fast4179]

High schools are college recruiters now

[@THEISAAC1593]

So much truth to this

[@skippysvr4586]

As a 16 year old dropout, learning HVAC has put me head and shoulders above everyone else. So yeah keep looking down at plumbers electricians and heating guys. But just remember we drive Mercedes when we aren't in our work vans. Oh and I've never called anyone to fix ANYTHING in my house. That includes my heated pool and indoor hot tub. Lol. Keep trying to get that Instagram fame. Lost generation.

[@jojoisrightbutimgannaaddth4079]

SPEAKING FACTS, im 19 year old and do metal framing and make $27/hour and have potential to make $35+ in a couple years, its labor intensive yes , but personally I take pride in my work and enjoy it

[@dirksharp9876]

Would you still recommend HVAC to someone young-ish with no experience in the field at this point? I have family in the field.

[@dustinhiggins710]

@@dirksharp9876 Yup. It's huge in Texas.

[@brandons9138]

@@dirksharp9876 I'm not in the HVAC field, but I totally think it's a worthwhile trade to peruse. HVAC systems aren't going anywhere. The installed systems need upgrades and repairs, and new building are going up all the time. Then there is a opportunity for side work, done on your own time, for extra cash. If you have family in the trade then it's even a better deal. You have a person that is invested in your learning.

[@mertz313]

Look at some of us welders. We out here in Denalis lmao

[@geneclarke2205]

What percentage of the 6.6 million job openings require 3 or more years of direct experience to qualify for the position? It appears the vast majority of employers don't want to train and many employers are looking for qualified people to fill short term contracts. Once the job is done then they layoff the employee. There's a catch 22 situation for young people trying to enter the trades job market.

[@hello-us9nd]

Only sometimes that occurs. People need to realize ur not gonna make good money day one. U have to start at bottom and work up. But kids dont want to do that, they say that's not far. So then they quit or get fired cause of bad attitudes. If they were to stick with it and complete an apprenticeship and get licensed by the state for a trade, then they get the money. People want experienced pay with having no experience. And the whole layoff thing isnt true. 20 years I've been a pipe fitter not once have I been laid off and the guys who have been laid off 9 times out of 10 deserved it

[@jonsnow4927]

hello 1 what is a pipefitter exactly?

[@hello-us9nd]

@@jonsnow4927 it's basically what the name says. But u install and fix the piping for all kinds of mechanical systems. From threading to welding pipes. The fitting part means being able to install the pipe up over and around anything. Think of the huge pipes in a high rise boiler room or the piping involved with a big casino. Whether it's to replace bad pipe or install it new

[@jonsnow4927]

hello 1 Oh okay not it makes more sense in a technical aspect

[@SpamMeGooglification]

Many employers demand 5 to 10 years worth of experience for kids just out of school.

[@huma474]

Just having the jobs available doesn't mean that there are people in the area to fill those jobs. Moving cross country for the jobs, especially when they may be temporary, may not be feasible for a lot of workers.

[@Thecowboy69997]

Those jobs exist everywhere. Theres a shortage of tradesmen a cross the country.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

@@Thecowboy69997 > U STUPID !!!!

[@Thecowboy69997]

@@abcdef-kx2qt you* that's the best reply you have? And in all caps? And you're calling me stupid?

[@picklerix6162]

I get calls from technical recruiters who expect me to relocate to another city for a six month contract job. I guess there are some people who like moving around and living in an old RV but that’s not me.

[@DP-js2fi]

On the job training.. trade school. I know I'm not paying 40k plus for college to pay off over my life time, with very little in return. I've seen too many people in a huge mess with college loans. It's hurting everyone.

[@John_Lee_]

you mean you've seen people with no clue of what a valuable degree is and a community college?

[@caryvanarsdall3957]

i tell the kids in my class to find a job that fits the way they're wired. for some it's college because they want to be an engineer or a doctor, but for some it is construction or welding. i have actually done weekly labs to expose them to various industries and the most popular one was where they used an impact screw gun and stripped wires.

[@jamiemackie3994]

Im an electrician without a license that would like to pursue one without the dog and pony show circus games unions peddle right now. I have tools will travel. Honest work for honest pay. Your stellar prospective employees are out there, they just gave up on the unreal expectations of qualified training pipelines.

[@Duwayneismyname]

I did construction for 4 years in multiple states. Learned a lot of skills but the wage is definitely locked in at $15. And the work environment is always so bad no matter which contractor you work for.

[@bjarkimar4110]

then you didnt learn any skill to demand more money if you had you were not stuck at 15 and probably be self employed

[@fredfrond6148]

In Germany they have an apprenticeship program that allows a butcher or a carpenter who develops his skills passes his exams both practical and academic. When he becomes a master plumber or master electrician after many years she/he can look a doctor in the eye and say I am as proud of my achievement as you are.

[@gmmonko]

...not only that - you can get your masters after 3 years and that opens you also the pass to become an engineer! ...and it is free of cost!

[@yonoume8747]

That's what I admired at the German System, there's always a role that you can fit in, an egaliterian state

[@Voodoo_IC0N]

Most of the time in the States they have you doing master work at journeyman status and pay and they hold you there as long as they can.

[@BlownMacTruck]

Er, why would the plumber or electrician not be as proud of their trade before all that when looking a doctor in the eye? That’s just absurd logic. I work in a highly field that requires a lot of collegiate-level education, but I don’t think someone who’s working in trade is any less accomplished.

[@fredfrond6148]

BlownMacTruck, I agree but as you know that is not the American way. People are totally measured by how much money they make by legal, illegal, or means not useful to society. Maybe you are highly trained but people in the US care more about the fact that the Kardashian’s or a Wall Street banker makes more than you.

[@FeatheryFool]

The problem was not one but now 2 generations being told "go to college. Go to college, if you don't go to college and graduate you're a loser!" These jobs are good and secure jobs. Manual labor is nothing to shy away from.

[@mourice1669]

True college is not all there is as a 34 year old jobless and single guy. I hold a bachelors degree in Bsc Civil Engineering and i am still jobless. I graduated 3 years ago and i only have one internship done so far and no marketable skills that Can Sell. So i am kind of in a fix.

[@Botyoutubeaccount]

@@mourice1669white collar is ageist because things are constantly changing and younger people tend to grow up with those changes

[@josephredmond623]

The blue collar workers need more people in the Unions and the schools need to do a better job teaching kids to read technical books. Some companies are saying they just need to know how to read period.

[@fredhargraves6348]

At me children’s school they do not allow trade unions, trade schools, automotive fronts, or the military. The only entity allowed are colleges. The councilors only talk college. I offered to teach blue print reading at the school for free but the school turned me down because it didn’t fit their policy

[@WesternHome]

What he's doing is so important, we need more people like him!

[@tyler0506]

I’m 21 going to make $120k this year in Manhattan working as an operating engineer helper. I’m getting my MBA while doing this and it’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever done

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

THEY NEVER CALLED ME AFTER THE TEST !

[@Ghost-jy9hk]

How do you get into that? And what do you do?

[@tyler0506]

Ghost227 get 5 certificates than go down to the union hall on 42nd street and the delegates will get u in

[@imcarlosjr4898]

@@tyler0506 thanks

[@grandcanyon2]

what local union is that?

[@abbyhnormal]

I want to point out that I applied for a lot of jobs and none of them called me back.

[@abbyhnormal]

Also a lot of people I know are not getting called back for jobs they are applying for as well.

[@horatiobeaker]

Chew on this: In Texas, an electrician needs 8000 hours of training to become a journeyman electrician....but, it takes less than 700 hours of training to be a cop. People would much rather have the ability to turn on their lights than get a speeding ticket. Policing is a municipal revenue racket.

[@livemannsf]

Exactly - and when you're an apprentice, you make jack squat per hour. Just like for airplane pilots, the incentive and pay structure is totally screwed up, and nobody will make that change.

[@rrickarr]

WOW!!!!!!! That is a sobering thought.

[@horatiobeaker]

@@livemannsf It gets worse. Most police departments use taxpayer money to pay police trainees while at the police “academy.” Taxpayers don’t pay Electrician Apprentices a dime. And…working on a construction site is much, much more dangerous and deadly than policing. This myth of “I never know when my husband walks out the door each morning whether or not not he will come home from his police shift” is a total TV fantasy. Policing is not even in the top ten of OSHA’s most dangerous jobs. You want a dangerous job? Try commercial fishing or roofing. And police get qualified immunity from prosecution and lawsuits-not even doctors get that.

[@grandcanyon2]

@@livemannsf i went to trade school, they basically tall ya, if you stick with us in 4-5 years you will get payed 40-50 dollars a hour, mean while when you start they paying you 18-20 a hour, something you can't even use to pay one bed-room studio apartment rent with and back breaking labor.

[@grandcanyon2]

@@horatiobeaker police offers rarely , get into shoot outs. Most of there work is survallience , and writing up tickets.

[@sinebar]

When I was in engineering school I took a course in machine shop as an elective. I learned basic machining skills and to program CNC machines using in Mastercam. After I graduated and got a job as a design engineer, I eventually moved into a position programming CNC milling machines making prototype parts.

[@johnsmith6974]

Give....more.....money....to....workers.

[@Jblast252]

My cushion 30 years old make 200k a year just keeping the ac and heat working

[@robertmoore6149]

Employers are spoiled plain and simple. They want to hire only people too experienced for the position yet pay them half of what they are worth. Yet they expect people to be thrilled on crumbs.

[@Austin-wz5xk]

How about you get off your ass and start from the bottom. You got to start somewhere, even if it's minimum wage.

[@robertmoore6149]

@@Austin-wz5xk Aww you're cute when you blame the wrong people.

[@Austin-wz5xk]

@@robertmoore6149 Nah, you're just lazy. I'm a contractor in construction and I pay all my workers $8 an hour. If you want a good wage bad enough, work for it. Get that overtime. Join a union if you have to. You young people will have to EARN your wage. Get off your ass and work for it, or be a homeless bum.

[@robertmoore6149]

@@Austin-wz5xk Assuming you're actually telling the truth, which i seriously doubt. Then you are exploitive jerk. If you are lying still a jerk. In fact given your demeanor and stance, little to no chance you aren't a jerk. As for my personal curcumstances, those are none of your concern.

[@maroon9273]

HR are the employers gatekeepers to make sure the qualification is high as hell.

[@travish6034]

It's a pay gap on top of inflation. If everyone would stop raising the price on stuff so that people that have more money than they need can get more.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

That's not how inflation works. it's the government literally printing more money off the printer.

[@CRIPMAGE6]

The problem really is for the Millennials my generation is that they don't appreciate hard work we are disposable and they hardly give us days off they expect us to have 10 years of experience and only be 18 years old. that was a major problem when I started getting into the workforce and still is the same thing today

[@Prodigy396]

med ray lol one of my co workers at a job I used to work at would always get mad if I didn’t stay overtime.

[@spiritanimal7516]

That and they offer no benefits, you're better off going into IT.

[@DrFuzzyxFuzz]

Blue Squirtle IT is way worse, over saturated, pay WAY below market rate and prefer H1B Visas.

[@wPJyat]

Lots of millennials don't want those $12/hr manufacturing jobs.

[@rushrush1209]

@@wPJyat I don't blame them.

[@gregwarner3753]

A long time ago and far, far away I was a Machine builder and repairman. I could use any machine tool available to make what ever was needed. I could also weld using gas, stick or Mig/Tig. I could not find a job that paid enough to make using those skills worth my while. So I took the opportunity to go to college and become a science bureaucrat. Mostly boring but the wages were decent and the pension and health insurance excellent.

[@chrisburns5691]

it can go both ways. As a carpenter I've had good jobs and bad ones. I worked for myself for a number of years. I now have a union job doing maintenance for a local city. Work is mainly inside and fairly easy, good comfortable middle class wage and excellent benefits and pension. I made the decision a few years ago to eitehr work for myself, or get a union job where I wouldn't miss out on pay if I needed to call in sick. it has always been a good living for myself. I would say to someone younger to only get into this work if you actually have an interest in say carpentry or machinery or whatever else. If not it will be drudgery for middle class wages for the most part. People who want to get into this need to actually enjoy the physical aspect of being on your feet, and enjoying the tangible results of their efforts.

[@silo3com]

Very good perspective. I believe the tide shifts over and over.

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

The employers are too picky. They may say they will hire someone with zero experience and train them, but when it comes to actually hiring those type of people, most of those employers won't do it.

[@maroon9273]

Employer Politics 101 and HR making things even worst.

[@wolfgangscheuer1611]

Smartest thing you can do is right after high school get an apprenticeship as a plumber, HVAC tech, electrician, etc and in four years get a journeyman ticket that you can make money with forever or use it to take on a different job like project manager, estimator, technical sales rep, building inspector, etc or go to college and get a degree but make good money in the summer to pay tuition etc. become a mechanical engineer with say an HVAC ticket and you have it made!!

[@jamisonmunn9215]

There are no jobs. I can do HVAC, fix a dryer and I just fixed my garbage disposal. When I apply for those jobs I never even get a call back. These companies don’t want to hire or they would.

[@stevea5985]

Jamison Munn it's because they want field experience on your application

[@theQuestion626]

that's been the problem with many tradesmen i've spoken to. but the really bizarre part is age. They may have the experience but if they're 50 or up they don't get call backs or they have to take pay cuts. It's ludicrous.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

@@stevea5985 > I Want to feel the mouth on my shorts !!!!

[@jamisonmunn9215]

The people with field experience though are getting paid more than the jobs that are available. I basically had to start my own company pretty soon after I made the original comment. Now I have so much work i am turning down jobs because there's only so many hours in a day.

[@Stackedwithcash]

Not all trade jobs pay well. Honestly, the demand is high, and supply is low, but people don't want to pay the blue collar workers much. I work as an assembler, a non skilled position and I make more than some welders, mechanics and even electricians. And some of these jobs are only temporary anyway

[@marcusjohnson7321]

Logan Hudson in my state once I’m done with my training which was only 9 months I’ll be making 55k-60k without overtime and I’m 20 almost 21 so I don’t where you’re located or getting your info from but that’s not the case where I’m located at.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

@@marcusjohnson7321 > LOTS OF LUCK $$$$$$

[@billyboy9675]

I knew 2 electricians at different times, one in the late 1970s early 80s. He barely worked, he would call his employer, an electrical contractor each morning for work, and he might get 1 or 2 days a week. He eventually moved and got a different job. Similar thing with a second neighbor, the work was so unsteady and when he did get work it could be in any part of the country. I also knew someone who worked on the Alaska pipeline. Everything in Alaska was so expensive he winded up having to borrow money to get back home. What the television show ‘dirty jobs’ doesn’t show are the kinds of things people in trades go through outside work. This includes sharing an apartment and a single refrigerator with 5 or 6 people, or having to sleep in a car or truck because there are no accommodations. These are the kinds of things that happen in a ‘boomtown’ economy. Right now things are better for some tradespeople because there is a shortage. If the market get flooded, they would be making minimum wage.

[@brandons9138]

Billy Boy "These are the kinds of things that happen in a ‘boomtown’ economy. Right now things are better for some tradespeople because there is a shortage. If the market get flooded, they would be making minimum wage." That could be said of any profession. The need drives up the wages people flood the market to take advantage of the wages. Market saturation occurs and the wages fall. This is not exclusive to the skilled trades.

[@simonhadley8829]

You are always starting at the bottom in a new job, especially if you are young. That's true whether it is a low skill job, skilled labor job or something requiring a college degree. The cool thing about skilled labor is you don't typically have to take on student debt (or not nearly as much as college), you get paid while you learn, the job can't get outsourced, at the end of the day you don't have to take your work home with you. One thing to keep in mind is that you maybe have to relocate to where the training or work is at. That's just the reality of the situation.

[@joshwandland2886]

I'm an electrician I love it

[@joshuah6091]

How much do you make?

[@rogeliobarraza1772]

He asked you a question sir

[@DavidEVogel]

I was a recruiter for Becton Dickinson (a medical devise company). Of 100 applicants, maybe 10 met the minimum qualifications. Starting salary was $50000/year.

[@thawillyfish]

What were the minimum qualifications?

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

The market is telling you to lower the qualifications, train more, etc.....

[@MS-st1zb]

Everyone wants to be KZbin star easier to get into a dog wash and film it than to learn a trade.

[@IamCaleum]

In my area there was no trade union training, everyone wants 1 to 2 years experience so there wasn't even technical high schools doing this. I tried looking at it now at 40 and nobody will touch you, they want the 20 year olds who want nothing to do with them.

[@mssha1980]

Look into unions

[@johnholfelder6724]

Don’t give up. I started at 40 as a career change. It definitely wasn’t easy and you have to put up with a lot of crap about your age, but once you finish the apprentice training it gets better. I went through the IBEW apprenticeship. It was tough but I got licensed and ended up as a transit electrician. Best of luck to you.

[@doiceslife8374]

I've seen people phasing themselves into independent workers that charge whatever which adds to the shortage because most skilled people are already working on their own in those field.

[@frankbieser]

Any honest work is a good job.

[@thobina465]

No job requires collage, nothing that cant be learned by an apprenticeship.

[@jeep19]

What about a anesthesiologist, dentist, or surgeon? Let one work on you and he or she only learned it through apprenticeship...

[@chrisburns5691]

Actually a lot do require "college" like being an English teacher lol...

[@radar0412]

Skills Gap is codeword for Justifiable Poverty

[@MrBigtime1986]

we'll give you 11 bucks an hour and you better like it

[@radar0412]

@@MrBigtime1986 Hows the weather in Alabama?

[@MrBigtime1986]

@@radar0412 hot and humid

[@vichalen294]

His job as a contractor is to pay you the least he can get away with.....your job is to get paid what you're worth. If you're not getting paid what you're worth, that's not his fault. If you don't like the pay ....don't take the job LOL

[@MrBigtime1986]

@@vichalen294 That's why people are leaving the trades.

[@rs72098]

Companies don't want to train people, want to pay low wages, and want people with lots of experience. They wont find them in the U.S. because of falling demographics. The days of low wages are over and are never coming back, many companies still can't accept this. This crisis will get much much worse as the millennials also begin to age, and latin America and China's population ages. Low birth rates will continue to get lower and populations will get older.

[@MS-st1zb]

You have to get your priorities straight if you can teach school children Chinese to be better in business you can teach children to better in the workforce.

[@ethanfairweather8736]

People need to realize that not everyone is built for college. Yeah frat parties and football games but there’s never been the point of any type of college. Always been to further education. A lot of a lot of the stuff would learn in college you can actually learn on KZbin, Skillshare, CuriosityStream, etc if you need it.

[@brandonspiegel2293]

Thank you for the very interesting video!

[@absw6129]

I work in the board-making industry here in sweden, and we can't even find people who know how to use a Surface planer. They pay good Money for it too. There are industries out there that are simply desperate for competent workers who know how to use certain Machines.

[@ethanbox2010]

I used to work in underground utilities. The pay sucked, and I got no benefits. It's like every other market crying about how desperate they are to find people, but they don't wanna pay people or offer them decent benefits.

[@Rich-yj4ub]

Employers want College Degree. A college degree worker will not work for minimum wage when they owe thousands in fees....

[@oldsouth31]

That's not true. And the "minimum wage" argument is just false. A lot will take you right out of high school. You'll be paid lower, yes, but electrical apprentices (my brother is an electrician) start at $18/hr. APPRENTICE. But - it's not going to be given to you. You need to put in a couple years of apprenticeship, training, on-the-job learning. Sort of like.....all.....uh.....careers. You need to earn your stripes, pay your dues. But, he's not wrong about the work ethic part. Can you show up on time every day, do your homework, and be engaged? I did these jobs 4 manual labor summers (concrete/asphalt company) when I went to college (yes - i went to college). All the guys kept saying was "Good help is hard to find"....ain't that the truth.

[@KatamariDemocracySA]

@@oldsouth31 They are also racist and voted for Trump, then if you do not fit in they will find a way to get rid of you. Thats why I went into the IT field and I make decent money. I have also done plumbing and electrical work. The work is ideal however you will deal with some of the worst humanity has to offer. And you are surprised how these guys make it into the field in the first place. Nobody can find good employees because people are starting to see that getting low pay, working hard, and being in a toxic workplace isn't cutting it anymore. America is also dying and people are getting fed up with how the current system is running great for few and poor for everyone else. Things will be changing for the better.

[@Voodoo_IC0N]

The flip side is that companies don't want to pay for educated/skilled employees. They want someone desperate to take low pay.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

They want someone VERY VERY desperate to take low pay.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT

[@Striker50_]

EVERYTHING is low pay part time with no benefits now

[@emotion_gfx]

Yep, agree. Exactly. Glad you noticed this.

[@maroon9273]

And dead end, it is the work and die motto for unskilled workers.

[@muskduh]

thanks for the video

[@jasonarmstrong5750]

I went into college trying to be a graphic designer, I came out as a machinist

[@edhooper1421]

Try to stick to graphic designing on the side...in 5-10 years, you never know

[@brandons9138]

ME TO!!! Exactly what happened to me. I ended up with over $40k in student loans for an art degree that I never really used.

[@jasonarmstrong5750]

@@brandons9138 yeah the only reason I went with art is because I didn’t know what the hell I wanted to do, my uncle was the one that turned me on to machining and told me how much money I could make compared to graphic design

[@baronvonjo1929]

I got a Machinist job right out of high school and its honestly not what I thought it was. Making 17.15 now. I dont think if could live by myself if I had too. Companies just don't want to pay.

[@brandons9138]

@@baronvonjo1929 How long have you been in the trade?

[@plainbagel9192]

Yes trade jobs pay very well , but the flaw is that its ultra specialized and you need specific licenses to do some , unless you re contracted long term or work in a union a lot of those jobs are on short gig contract and sometimes contractors and sub contractors that employ you can go under due to bad management

[@sandycharlton8669]

80% of trade jobs pay very low only the plumbers & electricians own houses all the other trades rent cheap housing. I did construction for 25 years I wasnever able to buy a house.

[@berrex5152]

@@sandycharlton8669 Sounds BS and like a YOU problem. i know many people in other trades that own land

[@sandycharlton8669]

@@berrex5152 I am tree climber now $32 an hour with medical and retirement I can move up to $40 an hour If you can do constuction you can do somthing elese that pay,s better. I do own a piece of land with a shack on it.If construction is great why is there s shortage of workers. If I worked 25 years in tree work I would have 2 or 3 houses

[@juliemiller1737]

Mike Rowe, you are amazing for being the voice of the trades! We have so many opportunities here in Prescott, AZ Trade Opportunities (dornhomes.com) Plumbing, HVAC, Construction, Masons, etc. These are skills that you can build your life on!

[@Killerninja81]

My constant issue is just one simple thing. I worked as a laborer for a handyman company and what I learned was useful, but every handyman fell under 1099s because they were all "employed" by the company. So in terms of issues it's the big three. 1.Health Care- The jobs are rough on the body and simply get rougher the older you get. Most companies won't fold you into a decent medical benefits if they even have some. 2. Employment Status- Yeah after five to ten years you can charge very highly for each job/hr, but in most cases you'll be self employed or contracted which means your insane wage is off set with needing to pay steeper taxes at the end of the year. Yeah you break 60k easily, but then you get into the semantics of tax brackets and 1099 work. 3. Apprenticeships offering wages that swing from excellent to unliveable. $16/hr is excellent if that's what is actually paid out to start, but in most circumstances it simply isn't when most companies want you to have your own tools, vehicles, and insurance. Decent tools being the most difficult investment.

[@thomaswest8639]

Pay is the problem that why people leave the skill trades

[@michaelf7093]

You wanna fill those jobs? 1) Offer a living wage. 2) Make sure there's adequate benefits. 3) Structure your business so there's a lifetime ladder ahead for the worker. 4) Provide training. The employers that do these things will never have a problem finding workers.

[@ragingjaguarknight86]

Very true Michael, you're right on the money. Good work!

[@Troph2]

So true, my ex-girlfriend was a waffle waitress and took home more than me after tips and im a certified welder with 13 years exp.

[@Radnally]

Notice how mike does not go into these compensation issues. He just says there are jobs to be had.

[@OceanPatriot777]

5)Do away with Affirmative Action and other regulations

[@michaelf7093]

Radnally That's because he's little more than a political shill.

[@davidgriffith618]

Americans do not want dirty jobs. Real work is physical, we aren't taught to appreciate hands on. My granddaughter wants to be a baker, not a chef, there is a difference, but both are hard, labor intensive. She surprised us. My family consists of an RN in the operating room, an EMT, a teacher, a coder, a mechanic, a grocery manager, a new National Guardsman, a self employed electronic tech. ----repairs you fridge, washers, ect., a trucker and the wannabe baker. My son was a tow truck driver before he became the RN. Thanks for listening.

[@povitica4090]

I’ve been a carpenter for 15 years and I’m done. Bad employers, liars cheats, Crazy clients who will look over your shoulder and make dumb comments but have no knowledge themselves......it’s dirty and exhausting, dangerous, run well you can

[@robertleger4986]

There are two issues here that these folks get confused...There are always jobs that no one wants to do...lol. Want to be an undertaker, clean up a crime scene, unclog toilets, hunt for rats, bedbugs, clean skyscraper windows, chase ambulances with a camera any police scanner for a shot - and get killed doing it- .sure you can do that if you want. Most people DON'T. The whole point these people miss is that everyone should have a livable wage irrespective of the job you do. Plumbers OK...guess what....most people dont' want to be a friggin plumber, LOL. Here's a secret: Mike Rowe doesn't want to be a plumber - he wants to be on TV. He wants to be e on TV pretending to be an average Joe - but he isn't. He works in broadcasting and probably gets paid a hell of a lot more than a plumber, lol. And 95% of the time he has clean nails. ..and he looks nice and talks nice. He's found a niche/brand portraying himself a advocat for blue class guys...and he has the look - but he isn't one himself. He just isn't. Just like you might want to do if you happened to be born handsome with a pretty voice. You want and deserve the good stuff in life too - just like Mike Rowe. He doesn't want to clean out toilets nor should you. If he wants so bad to clean septic tanks let him do it for real ... let someone do his makeup this time in a septic tank...yeah, every day...9-5. Yeah, not for a TV show, but do it FOR REAL, not for the camera. Everyday. These people talk a sweet story about jobs that no one really wants to do- but none of these people do them for a living.... We all deserve to be paid well, for all real jobs, not just for the BS jobs that no one wants to do...Celebrities and TV people.....always looking out for us.. Go figure!

[@residentevil9894]

I never thought about it that way. Very good point you made there

[@grandcanyon2]

Correct hes millionare now with bussinesses and investments, hes not out here working a 9-5 fixing pipes, or hanging 350 feet in the air on construction sites wielding , metal bars. He worked a few hours out of the year, doing dirty jobs for 1-2 hours with a film crew, and and spent half the time talking about the job and having people explain the job, and process. Hes tv personality, thats rich, he doesn't really work no dirty jobs.

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

Cities Skylines gives the same problem. The educated citizens end up abandoning the factory jobs which leaves industry job demand very high.

[@rem145]

If you like fixing things when you grow up and don’t have an idea what major you would want in college, trades would be a very viable place to go. These jobs are better than most jobs needing college

[@josealexi5141]

That "weeping Indian" commercial SHAPED MY LIFE in the 60's and early 70's! By the 80's, I was educating my peers about litter and making a positive impact for the environment. Sad thing is, they'd NEVER make that commercial today.

[@ollieone051]

YOU SEE THESE HANDS? These hands put food on the table, these hands get things done, these hands don't only solve other people's problems they solve my problems as well. These hands are so tuff they don't need gloves. These are my hands and I'm proud of what they can do!

[@mikearanda3533]

Increase pay where my spouse can stay home and I can support 3 children with 1 income, and you got me.

[@ryanjohnson5882]

Most people don't wanna get into a trade because they don't wanna work hard and most schools always say go to college.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

where is a report on affordable & fair housing development numbers vs employment rates !

[@collegiatemisfit6071]

6.66 how ominous.....

[@edwardmeer95]

Do they pay skilled workers? Not really. You have to get a degree and skills and then maybe they will pay you. But in my degree field they want you to work bad hours and less pay than in the past. If you want better workers respect is the biggest thing to the worker.

[@SuperChriz92]

Edward Meer What’s bad hours ? Second are you expecting to come in as a newbie and get preferential treatment over people of been there years.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

@@SuperChriz92 > pump that dark junk up your butt, too low pay . requisite tools - power tools - truck and ladder without remuneration. dark is a worm !!!

[@irishx302]

Join union

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

@@SuperChriz92 > HINNEY

[@baronvonjo1929]

I got bad hours and they wont pay you for degrees. 17.15 to work 10 hours a day. And they want you to work overtime.

[@lukeb5372]

I'd do it but I have 2 things 1. I don't want to call off and be treated horribly for being legitimately ill or a personal situation when I have good work ethic. I need my rest and when I'm sick I can't work safely. 2. The demand is high for trades for awhile and then the jobs will get smaller laying people off and you're back in the same boat again. I'm willing to learn a trade but have circumstances to where I can only work so much. By the way, I love carpentry and wish someone would teach me

[@briangeiger9307]

There is a temporary gap in skilled labor. Just ask a truck driver what happened to their job. Is a sad story. There is a reason people go to college. Is stability. These jobs are going away. Do you want to invest your life in a temporary job? You might make money now, but what happens when a cheaper labor comes?

[@stardog2779]

Nothing has changed and the year is 2021 the education system and the workforce in the u.s are completely broken its the sad reality

[@EdithEsquivel]

The littered streets became clean because they started paying for litter, not due to an ad.

[@44jimcordell31]

I have told my children often that the first and foremost reason to get all the education you can is so that you will be an educated person. Prudence and wisdom are end goals by themselves.

[@GoatZilla]

Mike Rowe is an actor.

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

And he has a liberal arts degree. It is all just an act.

[@jasontempleton2445]

I completely agree 100%. And they should make that training readily available and inexpensive. Or if the government really wants us to innovate, it should be free!

[@gustv5789]

I’m the kid that wants to get there early , stay late and learn a trade, can’t wait to see the opportunities awaiting as a welder

[@picklerix6162]

A former welder once told me that he loved welding but had to leave that job because it screwed up his eyes. He was a machinist when he told me that story.

[@gustv5789]

@@picklerix6162 well if you take the right safety precautions you might not have to worry about it as much I think

[@chrisburns5691]

look into being a millwright. You do welding but a lot of other skills as well. You may not appreciate welding day after day.

[@johnberry2877]

If your a minority you automatically get bonus points on the admission tests so, you don’t have to be as intelligent .

[@AfroSnackey]

I pursued skilled trades like a mad man but none of them wanted to hire me. I even signed up for one plumbing apprenticeship that was paying 4.00$/hr under the prospect of employment down the line and didn't even get in despite getting the highest grade on the entrance exam. Skilled trades are for white guys who keep it in the family business, I'm sorry to say it.

[@picklerix6162]

That’s not true, especially today. You should try to get hired at a larger company. The large companies legally discriminate against white males. Just look at the job applications. There’s only one reason to ask your race on a job application.

[@DaOriginalMurdah]

These guy are straight up liars. Try applying to any union and tell me how desperately they are hiring. Get a reporter to report on how hard it is to join a union even one like the laborers and don't get me started on ibew, ua, or any that is actually for skilled workers. Unions do not make it equal.

[@grandcanyon2]

unions takes ages to just apply let alone get in. They tell you their accepting 300 apprentices, thats a lie 150 spots are already filled because people call in favors. They waste your time with a interview, when their is only really 150 spots and 3000 thousand people applied. getting into any real union in any city is like a lottery. The only take in people with 5+ years experience as journeyman, if not you gota apply for the apprenticeship. you got people waiting in hot/ cold weather camping out in tents. I went for the local 3 elevator apprenticeship program two and half years ago, i came 12 hours early and i came to see about 900 people in front of me camped out in tents and cars. You had people call their buddies to skip the line and hide in their tents.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

**** ***** MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ******** Two years of full-time paid experience working in the construction, maintenance, and repair of street lighting circuitry. PROCESS NOTES • A valid California driver's license is required. Applicants will be disqualified and not eligible for hire if their record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as DUI). • A valid California Class B driver's license and valid medical certificate approved by the State of California... The examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received. Filing periods may change without prior notice or additional dates may be added, as needed, at a later date. For administrative purposes, filing will close periodically and reopen on the dates noted in the "Application Deadline" section of this bulletin.

[@gregwarner3753]

Business is afraid about putting up the money to provide basic training for an inexperienced employee. Risk avoidance is the watchword of business management.

[@DavidEVogel]

provide basic training for an inexperienced employee Ever heard of an apprentice program?

[@gregwarner3753]

How many companies offer apprenticeship programs or, especially in Right to Slave States, hire the Union men that do? The last couple of generations of business managers are only concerned with their stock values and only for as long as they need to get their bonuses. The long term health of the company or the value of the stock they sold is irrelevant. Apprentice or just worker training do not fit into these managers plans. It is not the workers fault that companies cannot hire. It is the fault of the managers that put personal gain above company survival. BTW - Mike never kept a dirty job for longer than was needed for a show. He did not stay at the Deer hide tannery in New York. Smart man.

[@tucuruicomercioerepresenta2308]

And How much does This Jobs are paying monthly or annually?

[@mirzaahmed6589]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpPZipiCrbJ-hJo

[@pickyourbrainswithbenjamin761]

I like Mike but they focus on construction and labor. what about the skills jobs in medical field billing and coding, ekg tech, medical dialysis, med tech etc they may well also

[@stevea5985]

Benjamin Vabner ever hospital in my area by Chicago has those jobs listed on the hospital websites

[@pickyourbrainswithbenjamin761]

Steve A with my area new York I see hospitals clinics indeed etc. I am interning in medical billing and coding I may want to be an ekg tech in time

[@stevea5985]

Benjamin Vabner nice but you can work one job , while learning to do another . It just takes the drive to do it . At 33 I was working 50 hours a week plus going to college for a bachlors degree in computer forensics .

[@pickyourbrainswithbenjamin761]

I know your not wrong I'm finishing my ba degree but medical billing is My step in than I want to work toward something else be it ekg or medical analyst

[@stevea5985]

Benjamin Vabner yeah it was hard , I guess it's just haveing a strong work ethic that my parents instilled on me while growing up . And knowing you have to work for it because nothing will be just handed to you .

[@joshuablackburn9896]

I’m 22 years old, I’ve worked the last 6 years on and off in Construction, with cerebral palsy, and now work in a lumber yard, but it is one of the best fields to be in hands down, the money may not be the greatest, but if you stick with it and make a longterm career out of it, myself and many others can be rewarded

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

PAY MORE FOR THE WELL SKILLED Job Description: • Our inspectors must be able to work independently, setting their own schedules while meeting the needs of our clients. • Inspections are performed using our own custom database software (web-based) on a laptop or tablet. Field reports are automatically generated and emailed to the project site superintendent regarding relevant conditions of completed or the “in process” work of project subcontractors. Reports may also be reviewed by project managers, directors of construction, and legal counsel. On occasion, a special inspection may be performed and a field report may be prepared using a template in Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word or Excel. • Site inspections require the ability to view all the pertinent areas of buildings under construction. Inspections may require, but are not limited to, walking, climbing scaffolding and tall ladders, and the ability to access and inspect roof areas. • The inspector must be able to work constructively with the superintendent, trade workers, suppliers, manufacturers’ representatives, design professionals, and developer management to achieve the best possible field results. • The inspector must be able to read, understand, and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and details of wood framed construction projects. The ability to review project drawings for missing or poor details of window installation, water intrusion, sound transmission, fire related issues, roof structures, and other high-risk areas is critical to the proper performance of the job. • The inspector must be able to clearly communicate, in writing and verbally, with project team members and company management about relevant construction systems and processes. • The inspector shall be knowledgeable of code requirements, regional trade practices, and manufacturers’ installation requirements for common materials. The inspector must be able to identify correct, or incorrect, installation methods in the field with special emphasis on the weather envelope. A clear understanding of the component products and installation of stucco, lath, windows, doors, decks/balconies, flashing, and roofs is essential. Qualifications: • Current ICC certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment, as a residential building inspector (B1); • 5 years of multifamily residential construction experience; • Strong knowledge of the CRC 2013 and CBC 2013 & CBC 2016; • Reliable transportation and acceptable driving record as this position requires daily travel to and from our client’s job sites.

[@Luci-pz8xx]

It's crazy they interview an actor instead of actual tradesmen

[@joshuaanderson2163]

I’m a welder and love it. How about the welding industry?

[@GS.9093_Mart]

Thats awesome, they make pretty good money. How did you get into it?

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

HOW YOUR EYES & LUNGS

[@idocare1954]

I wanted to be a welder the problem was they never train you they always hire people with 5+ years experience they never look for new guys with no expierence they look for the old dogs with years of experience.

[@joshuaanderson2163]

I Dont Care yeah they do. Go to a trade school. That will help you.

[@idocare1954]

@@joshuaanderson2163 I was going to but I am now a backhoe operator they gave me shot so I took it & that's why they have a hard time filling thoes positions Electrians,Plumbers,Carpenters,Welders cause they always tell you you need a few years of expierence. The only job they will hire you with no expierence is General Laboures which is very low pay almost minimum wage & very hard work that's why they don't last long they go for other career paths.

[@thomaskleven8314]

Most Tradesmen jobs have great potential to make a good income, especially when you apply yourself to learn and grow within your field of study. Most shifted emphasis 10 yrs ago to filling the job market with software and it related fields, this is the same.

[@Danny_6Handford]

There are various reasons why young teenagers do not what to work in the trades. It starts with the way the school and education systems are set up put mainly because trade jobs require long hours of physical labor. They are not jobs that your parents try to encourage you to do and often times use them as examples of jobs that you will end up doing if you do not do well in school. For those that do jobs sitting around in an office for most of the day in front of a computer screen, ask yourself how you think you would like to work on a construction site laying bricks all day. People are generally lazy when it comes to physical work and if they can get away with doing work that does not involve physical labor they probably will even if the pay is not as good. The school and education system is mainly set up for kids that can do well with academic exercises and learn academic subjects such as literature, history, geography, math and science. Most of these kids are groomed to go work for the governments and the big corporations. Many trade jobs such as truck drivers and heavy equipment operators can still be demanding and require skill but do not require near as much physical labor as some of the more traditional trade jobs such as carpenters, brick layers, concrete forming, plumbing, welding, stucco, plaster and drywall. These traditional trade jobs require skill and physical labor. They are hard to do. In addition to not attracting a lot of interest from young people, many that try them fail so there is also a high dropout rate but probably similar to the dropout rate for those that try to become doctors, nurses, athletes, lawyers, engineers, pilots, teachers, professors, police officers or firefighters. Americans have always relied on immigrants and temporary foreign workers to do the jobs that Americans do not want to do and is how the country was built. The immigrant’s children do not want to do the physical labor that their parents had to do to earn a living. This is true for all affluent and wealthy countries including many European countries and countries in the Middle East. If we want to change this, we need to do some sole searching and try to figure out a fair system that treats people that do trade jobs that require skill and physical labor similar to how it treats doctors, nurses, athletes, lawyers, engineers, pilots, teachers, professors, police officers or firefighters.

[@mssha1980]

Slaves are not immigrants. Black people did those jobs many many years until after segregation the narrative changed and today many face discrimination when finding those jobs.

[@grandcanyon2]

you 100 percent legit, a rather work in the hr department for some tech company or major company, making 21-23 a hour then work at some trades shop, making 15-18 a hour doing back breaking labor. i checked recently on indeed and graigslist their offering people office and front desk jobs for 21-23 a hour.

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

My grandson is following his dreams and the money. He is studying to be a contractor , and management degree.

[@tongueprowler]

I have been a butcher since I was 13 now I am working on my Hvac certification all ready have my builders license in michugan

[@honestycounts9352]

Work as a food server in a restaurant and you make $20-$30/hr with all of the tips. Work as a skilled worker where you work 2-times harder, and you make $16-$18/hr. That's why so many young people are working in restaurants instead of skilled labor jobs.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

LIAR !!!!!

[@wPJyat]

Manufacturing pays $12/hr but as a freelance night cleaner I get nearly twice as that.

[@RichKilla86ers]

negative, many bartenders i know make more than their liberal art degree salary make

[@chrisburns5691]

lol no journeymen are making 16-18 per hour. I made that as a first year apprentice, 16 years ago. I personally make around 35 plus an excellent benefit and pension package. The difference between a journeyman in say a union gig (or good private company that offers benefits) and a restaurant worker is the benefits and pension mentioned, and opportunity for the motivated to work up to running jobs, or start their own business. Plus the satisfaction of having a skillset you can be proud of. In addition I'd way rather work with tools and have the tunes on doing my thing, than listen to Karen complaining about her lasagna, but that's just me..

[@nicholasgrabowski9863]

Im a locksmith and my field has went from not nearly enough to cover while i was booked 2 or 3 days in advance to only being booked a day in advance while young guys (rookies) try to take as much business as possible. Trades are great, just be ready to cover your customers day and night.

[@ArcingAngels]

I took some HVHC classes IVTech in Indianapolis IN, the teachers were not the best, I got some skills and have some skills, Could not get a Job did not have the right training and none of the employees did not what to get me past the skills gap. I did not know that how to do the work on my own so they were not going to hire me. When I went for my intervenes I had my tool bag with me. All I can say is there are more jobs than people in the county right now, so i am driving a truck 8)>

[@bluejedi723]

if you don't know how to do the work on your own, of course an employer isn't going to hire you.

[@bg7290]

You type as if you might be a bit slow. Maybe that has something to do with it. Just keepin it real, dude. Try to practice face to face interviews and find a local union. Theyll help you get on the job training and into a temp/perm gig

[@YESITSWILL]

We have an HVAC school in my area that tells people how much money they are going to make and how valuable they are. When my A/C went out the tech told me he had attended that school and found out after he was hired that he hadnt learned anything that professionals needed to know. Had it not been for a owner who was willing to give him a shot and train him he said he never would have gotten a job in HVAC. 25k loan and his education was worthless.

[@marcelp7059]

Dropped out of college after 1 semester been an electrical apprentice for a year don’t want to do anything else.

[@jupiterho11ow]

I'm about to do the same thing, man.

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

WHEN THE LIGHTS GO ON THE LAY OFF COMES !!!!!

[@daveyd3734]

But we know, for a FACT, that the working class wage has not been raised in 40 years! If the trades paid, people would do it! It's that simple. Plumbers don't make much money. Remember "Joe the Plumber"? He was a regular guy who got on the screens to say that things aren't so good for tradespeople!

[@christinewoodruff255]

Many people want a job, as long as it doesn't involve any work.

[@TeleportlabsETH]

The hardest part of all this is the debt people go into just to go to the place society finds acceptable and get an education which may not even be on demand.

[@mssha1980]

Exactly! College doesn’t prepare you for the workforce

[@lindakingsley9486]

I WAS PUSHED INTO COLLEGE. I WAS THINKING ABOUT WOOD WORKING. I WENT TO COLLEGE. BIG MISTAKE. I WISH I DID WOOD WORKING. NOW I'M 68 IT'S TOO LATE. LOOK INTO TRADE SCHOOL OR BETTER YET ON THE JOB TRAINING

[@sleeexs]

Its not too late

[@maroon9273]

You can still learn and work on your own.

[@bayareaartist999]

To get people to do these jobs you need to show that these jobs will pay enough to live the american dream. And there is the point that a lot of these jobs are hard labor and you can only do that so long before you come up with some serious job related injuries.

[@grandcanyon2]

bad backs and knees.