OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — In a few short years, many workers in the trade industry will retire, and there's just not enough people to replace them.
The need for skilled workers is an issue across the nation and in the Kansas City area.
Some groups are hoping to solve the problem by recruiting college students to the workforce.
The Kansas City chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, also known as NARI, hosted a career fair at Johnson County Community College Wednesday geared toward the skilled workforce.
Students were able to network with more than 20 companies from the residential remodeling industry.
NARI Executive Director Jan Burchett said she hopes young adults will see the benefits of working in the industry.
"We are never saying don't go to college, but what we're saying is you could get out of high school, get in this industry, start at a basic level position, work your way up in the company, have on-the-job training, have fun, and have flexibility," Burchett said.
Johnson County Community College Freshman William Eagan was one of the students making connections with business owners.
"I'd much rather be working with my hands out on a 100 degree day, 30 foot up on a ladder than sitting in an office," Eagan said.
Burchett said the lack of skilled workers is an issue across the nation.
"A lot of people are aging out so the 50- and 60- and 70-year-olds are no longer going to want to work, and we are looking to bring younger people into the industry," Burchett said.
According to the latest report by the Mid-America Regional Council, most of the demand for skilled trade workers in the Kansas City area over the next five years will be replacement demand. The report stated roughly half of the construction, installation, and maintenance workforce needs to be replaced in the next five years.
That's why local business owners, like KC Home Solutions Owner Nick Shepard, said recruiting young adults is crucial.
"You can have some fun doing this. It's very rewarding work, and you can make a really good living doing it," Shepard said.
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