A Growing Gap in the Skilled Trades Workforce
Two in every five skilled trades workers will retire by 2031 and there aren’t enough people entering the workforce to replace them.
It’s a challenge that’s already impacting industries across the country, from construction and manufacturing to facilities maintenance. The trades have long been the backbone of all industries. From electrical systems and HVAC to vehicle maintenance and facilities operations, these are the roles that keep businesses running and communities functioning every day.
Careers in the trades such as electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics, and facilities maintenance technicians have historically offered stable, meaningful work with strong earning potential. For much of the 20th century, these roles were a common and respected path. Many individuals entered the workforce directly out of high school through apprenticeships or hands-on training, building long-term careers without the need for a four-year degree.
Over time, that shifted. Greater emphasis on traditional college education led fewer young people to pursue careers in the trades. While the work never went away, the pipeline of new talent began to shrink.
Today, the impact of that shift is clear. Industry research from the National Center for Construction Education & Research indicates that 41% of the construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031, while millions of additional workers will be needed to meet demand. The gap between those leaving the workforce and those entering it continues to grow, creating real challenges for industries that rely on skilled labor.
Tessera’s Role
At Tessera, much of our work is rooted in the trades, giving us a firsthand view of this challenge and the opportunity it presents.
Supporting the next generation of trades professionals requires creating real pathways into these careers and removing barriers that prevent people from getting started. That’s why we’re actively creating and investing in programs that build skills, provide access, and set individuals up for long-term success.
IFM Course
One way we’re doing so is through our Introduction to Facilities Maintenance (IFM) course. This course offers hands-on, foundational training in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and general maintenance skills. It’s completely free to students, who also receive a stipend while participating, giving them the support and experience they need to launch a career in the trades.
In addition, the course includes 30 hours of interactive training in areas such as Safety Mindset, professionalism, interview preparation, OSHA-10, and CPR/First Aid, all designed to support long-term success across a wide range of careers.
“Skilled trades can be a pathway to independence and stability for more people, including those who may have been overlooked in traditional hiring pipelines.” — Michelle Reeve, Technical Trades Workforce Development Manager at Tessera
Tool Grant Program
We’re also addressing one of the most common barriers to the trades: the cost of tools.
Through our Technical Trades Tool Grant Program, eligible Tessera employees can receive financial support to purchase the tools they need to succeed in their roles. The program helps remove a major upfront expense that can otherwise prevent individuals from entering or advancing in the trades. By easing that burden, we’re allowing our employees to focus on developing their skills and growing their careers.
The trades industry is at a turning point. As experienced workers retire, the need to attract, train, and support the next generation has never been more urgent.
At Tessera, we’re committed to being part of the solution by creating opportunities, investing in people, and helping build a stronger, more sustainable workforce for the future.