Jackson, Mich. – Leaders in the home‑building and contracting sectors are sounding the alarm that a shortage of skilled‑trade workers could worsen the state’s housing crisis. A new national report from the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades shows that almost 25% of trade workers are at least 55 years old, and for every 100 workers needed, only 55 are entering the pipeline.
Local builders call for early exposure to trades
Patrick O’Dowd, executive officer of the Jackson Area Home Builders Association, told News 10 that introducing younger generations to trade careers has become “super important” for the region. “It’s super important for us right now to expose the trades to a younger generation and hopefully backfill some of those positions,” O’Dowd said.
Builders report that they could construct many more homes if they had a larger workforce. “You’re already experiencing a housing crisis nationally,” O’Dowd noted. “Our members specifically say they could build a lot more houses if they had more of a workforce.” He warned that the impact would extend beyond construction, affecting every community and sector of the economy.
Business owners see the same challenge across industries
Casey Barratt, co‑owner of CB Contracting, said his company is constantly recruiting and training new workers to ensure experienced employees have successors. Similarly, Celia Croff, owner of Great Lakes Generators, emphasized that the industry is growing and needs trained employees to keep pace with demand. Croff added that young people have viable paths to successful careers outside the traditional four‑year college route. “There are a ton of opportunities to still have a successful life and career outside of getting a four‑year degree,” she said.
Efforts to spark interest in trades
The Jackson Area Home Builders Association recently hosted a “Trunk or Treat and Touch a Truck” event, giving children an up‑close look at construction equipment such as concrete mixers and tow trucks. The goal was to spark early interest in skilled trades and encourage kids to consider these careers as they grow.
O’Dowd is optimistic that broader economic trends, including the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, could make skilled‑trade jobs more attractive. “I think as the AI boom continues, more people are gonna realize that those skilled labor trades jobs are gonna pay six figures, and AI is probably not gonna replace the guy that’s swinging the hammer,” he said.
Why the shortage matters for Michigan families
With the nation already facing a housing shortage, a continued lack of skilled workers could limit the supply of new homes, driving up prices and making homeownership harder for families. Local officials and business leaders stress that addressing the pipeline gap is essential not only for construction but also for the health of the broader economy.
The Jackson Area Home Builders Association provides information about local skilled‑trade opportunities on its website, encouraging residents to explore these career paths.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
