INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS: Mon., Oct. 30, 2006
Who Will Build It When They Come?
Greg Miedema, Owner
Dakota Builders, Inc.
To play on the old adage, it's time to think about workforce development, because they are coming. And, even if they aren't coming, there's a lot of us already here. And we're living longer and healthier, are more active, and staying in our homes longer.
What can we do to identify and encourage the next generation of construction workers? First, we need to recognize the trades as a truly honorable, gratifying, positive, productive, and fulfilling career path. That's right, a career, not just a job.
For years, we gutted our high school vocational education programs and now we're crying that there's no one to build. To address this issue, SAHBA is working with the local Acosta Job Corps, Catalina Magnet High School and running its own SAHBA Institute of Construction.
For years, we pounded on our young adults that you can't expect to be an achiever or productive society member without a college degree. Not everyone wants to be in college, not everyone should be, and not everyone needs to be.
Historically, as in European societies, the trades have been some of the most highly respected and honorable fields of work. It's time to recognize that again.
With the outsourcing, over-seas job filling, young people can be secure in knowing that your job repairing, remodeling, and building homes for Americans in America is not going overseas.
It's time to recognize the value of having a career that can be of immediate benefit to the employee and his or her family. With safety and technological improvements, it's no longer a teenager's job. It is now a real career path.
Having worked in the trades myself for many years, beginning in high school, there's a good feeling of accomplishment when you can look back at tangible results at the end of the day and think, “I did that.” The skills, and the life experiences learned are yours for a lifetime.
Without a college education, it's not unthinkable to earn between $15 to $20 per hour and more within a few years. That's $30,000 to $40,000 per year with some on-the-job experience.
But, it has to start with an attitude shift. That being in the trades isn't for the flunkies who can't hack the school path. That it's for everyone but my children. That it's for “those” people who live in “those” neighborhoods.
It's time to recognize it for what it is: a viable, positive well-paying career. It's time to encourage a fresh look at what the trades have to offer our young people. It's time to recommend the trades as a genuine and respected alternative to attending college. Recognize the value that this segment of our work force adds to society, the values it teaches those who enter, and the rewards it has to offer.
It starts with you, me, public officials, school administrators and faculty. Can it start now?
Miedema owns Dakota Builders, Inc. and is SAHBA's only 5-timeRemodelor of the Year Award winner. He is a Certified Graduate Remodelor, Certified Graduate Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. He serves on the National Association of Home Builders Board of Directors and is Chairman of the SAHBA Board. He co-founded the SAHBA Remodelor's Council.