As Chicago’s skyline evolves, the skilled workers behind its transformation often go unnoticed. Welders, HVAC technicians and construction professionals form the backbone of our city’s (and country’s) economy. Yet, a growing shortage of skilled workers threatens progress in industries critical to Chicago’s future.
By 2030, 2.1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs could go unfilled, and Chicago is already feeling the strain. The shortage extends beyond traditional trades to advanced manufacturing and green energy, where demand for specialized roles continues to rise.
At the same time, many Gen Z professionals feel locked out of the American dream due to rising education costs and student debt. A recent poll found that while 89% view homeownership as essential or important, only 10% believe it’s attainable. Skilled trades programs, which often cost less and lead to well-paying jobs faster than traditional degrees, offer a promising solution. Graduates in fields like automotive repair and welding are finding in-demand careers with strong earning potential.
What’s causing this shortage? It’s not a lack of jobs, but a lack of awareness and access. For decades, the four-year college path has been prioritized, leaving trade careers undervalued. According to research from YouScience, 90% of employers believe stronger collaboration between schools and businesses is crucial for building talent pipelines.
Many high schools around the country, including some found in Chicago, lack the resources to run career and technical education programs. As a result, students remain uninformed or unprepared for certain careers — typically those found in the skilled trades. Without this exposure, young people miss out on careers that require less time and money to enter than traditional college tracks. Skilled trades offer stable incomes, career growth and resilience against automation.
The skilled trades shortage is also an equity issue. Women, for example, make up 47% of the American workforce but only 30% of manufacturing jobs. Systemic barriers and a lack of mentorship can prevent many from entering well-paying, stable trade careers.
Addressing this shortage requires a collective effort from schools, policymakers, parents, and businesses. Here’s how Chicago can lead:
- Expand access to career and technical education programs: Schools should prioritize funding for these programs. Partnerships with trade unions can align programs with industry needs, leading to apprenticeships and job placement.
- Remove barriers to entry: Industries must get involved. At Universal Technical Institute, for example, some industry partners help graduates pay off student loans through our tuition reimbursement program.
- Focus on getting everyone involved: Programs like Chicago Women in Trades, which provides training and mentorship, should be expanded.
- Shift perceptions: Many parents view skilled trades as less prestigious than four-year college degrees. This mindset needs to change as many skilled trade careers have become highly technical in nature. Parents play a critical role in influencing career choices and must understand the value of skilled trades.
Chicago is at a crossroads. We can address the skilled trades shortage by investing in our future workforce, or we can let opportunities slip away. The city has a chance to set a national example by elevating skilled trades — not just as career options but as a foundation for economic prosperity
Tracy Lorenz is the division president of Universal Technical Institute, the transportation, skilled trades and energy divisions of Universal Technical Institute Inc.
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