IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey of young workers has revealed an inaccurate view of trade schools and their potential for good jobs and pay.
The poll by BigRentz, the nation’s largest online construction equipment rental network, has highlighted the need to better educate the public of the benefits of vocational training to fill the huge skills gap facing the US.
The demand for skilled labor in the US has never been higher. Employers are struggling to fill a record 7 million new job openings, while there has been a gradual decline in enrollments in trade schools.
To find out how young workers really feel about trade schools, BigRentz surveyed 3,000 people aged 18-24 about the advantages of a trade school over a four-year college.
Astonishingly, the results showed:
- Only 11 percent think trade schools lead to high paying jobs.
- 54 percent think the trade school pay gap is higher than it really is.
- Young workers do not associate job security with trade schools.
- 41 percent of young adults would actually attend a trade school for better job opportunities and pay.
Scott Cannon, CEO of BigRentz, commented, “I speak to contractors on a daily basis whose businesses are affected by not having the skilled employees they need for the job. It’s time we seek positive action and address the skills gap that’s impacting our economy. Across Europe, and in countries like Switzerland, 70 percent of young people are apprentices, providing the country with a steady stream of trained, experienced workers – it’s time we took a page out of their book.”
He added, “I’m hoping this survey goes a long way in showing young people the truth about vocational training, and also proves to our industry and to our government the need for better education and awareness among the public.”
In the construction industry alone, 78 percent of firms said they plan to expand their headcount in 2019, yet as many as 70 percent admit they are having trouble finding qualified workers.
“These are the types of statistics that hit home with me and the reason we at BigRentz wanted to conduct the survey. We are looking to get a better understanding of why so many young people are not enrolling, which ultimately affects our industry,” commented Cannon.
For full details of the survey, visit https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/trade-school-survey.
About BigRentz
BigRentz is an online construction equipment rental marketplace. Our 1,600 rental partners represent the biggest equipment rental network in the nation. BigRentz is leading the equipment rental industry by using innovative technology to streamline the rental process for both the customer and the supplier. For our customers, we simplify the procurement and logistics challenges of renting construction equipment. For our equipment suppliers, we help drive their revenue, broaden their reach, and increase their overall utilization. Types of equipment rented include aerial equipment: boom lifts and scissor lifts; material handling equipment: forklifts and telehandlers; earthmoving equipment: backhoes, skid steers, and dozers; site services: dumpsters, light towers, and storage containers; and specialty rentals for a variety of industries. Visit www.BigRentz.com.