The State of America’s Skilled Trades

Skilled trades employ more than 18 million people, but employers face substantial replacement and growth needs as demand changes and experienced workers retire. This Jobs for the Future (JFF) report examines 124 skilled trade occupations and finds that there is no single national skilled trades shortage; workforce needs vary by occupation and location. It also highlights the importance of hands-on learning, including Registered Apprenticeship, employer-based training, and other work-based pathways, while identifying gaps between training and entry into skilled trade careers. For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners, the report and accompanying dashboard can help inform conversations with workforce partners about local career opportunities and training options. The information may also help practitioners identify skilled trades that align with participants’ interests and local employer demand.