Bringing Back Skilled Trades

0


Ivan Jones, director of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Shelbyville, talks about the role the college plays when it comes to meeting the demand for professionals in skilled trades. He was one of several panelists participating in the Industry Initiative Open House, hosted by SJS Machine, LLC., here in Fayetteville last week. ~ Staff photo by Lucy Williams

LUCY WILLIAMS editor & publisher Key leaders from industry and education came together last week at SJS Machine LLC in Fayetteville for an Industry Initiative Open House, an event focusing on building interest in skilled trades. After tours of the facility and a meet and greet session, those present listened as presentations and a panel

Key leaders from industry and education came together last week at SJS Machine LLC in Fayetteville for an Industry Initiative Open House, an event focusing on building interest in skilled trades.

After tours of the facility and a meet and greet session, those present listened as presentations and a panel discussion highlighted what was described as a golden opportunity for Tennessee to set a new standard in education, one that centers on special skills that today comprise the backbone of manufacturing facilities.

In 2012, 53 percent of skilled-trade workers in the United States were 45 years or older, said Jennifer Evans, the opening presenter during the Monday evening open house, explaining that by the year 2020, 31 million skilled trade folks will be exiting the workforce.

“We have five years to be proactive in changing the skill set,” she said, describing the situation as the “perfect storm” and adding that leaders must be proactive in finding innovative ways to meet the anticipated gap in those most-in-demand workers. “We must get back to pride and realize the people who do skilled trades are the backbone of our economy.”

And while educators teach toward standardized tests, the skilled trades — the welders, electricians, machinists, etc. — are where the greatest opportunities and most viable options are for young people.

“I believe in Tennessee,” she said. “We have the golden ticket, the opportunity for us to be the golden standard for education in trying to work together to make something happen.”