The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the trades industry will need to add 100,000 jobs every year through 2012, while also filling an additional 90,000 openings annually for positions vacated by retiring baby boomers and those leaving for other reasons. The jobs are proving a tough sell – not only to young people, but also to their parents and school counselors, who don’t always see the trades as a desirable option.

Read (AP via the Philadelphia Inquirer)

When I got out of the Army in 1986, I worked as an electrician’s helper for several months. My plan at that time was to start the electricain’s apprenticeship program, but after observing the electricians who were making a career of the job, I changed my mind. It seemed like almost all of the career guys regretted their career choice, and I didn’t want to find myself in the same boat 15 years down the road.