The remodeling and construction industries are facing a critical challenge: a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople. As experienced professionals retire, fewer young workers are stepping in to fill their roles. This gap is affecting everything from project timelines to costs, and if the trend continues, it could have long-term consequences for homeowners, businesses, and the economy.
At J.S. Brown & Co., we believe in investing in the future of the remodeling industry, and that starts with encouraging more people—including young students and career changers—to explore the skilled trades. It’s time to change the narrative around trade careers and highlight the incredible opportunities they offer.
The Growing Shortage of Skilled Tradespeople
For decades, there has been a societal push toward college degrees as the “default” path to success, leading to a decline in vocational training and apprenticeships. At the same time: ✔️ The current workforce is aging – Many skilled tradespeople are reaching retirement age, leaving a significant gap in experienced professionals. ✔️ Fewer young people are entering the trades – Many high schools no longer emphasize career and technical education (CTE) programs. ✔️ Demand for remodeling and home construction is increasing – With more homeowners choosing to remodel instead of move, the need for skilled tradespeople has never been higher.
This labor shortage means longer project wait times, rising costs, and fewer available experts to take on complex remodeling jobs.
Why the Skilled Trade Shortage Matters
The effects of this shortage go beyond the construction industry—it impacts homeowners, businesses, and the economy: ✔️ Longer wait times for remodeling projects – With fewer skilled professionals available, homeowners often face extended timelines. ✔️ Higher project costs – Skilled tradespeople are in high demand, leading to increased wages (a positive for workers but a challenge for pricing projects). ✔️ Declining craftsmanship – With fewer trained professionals, there’s a risk of lower-quality work and an influx of unqualified contractors. ✔️ Limited options for homeowners – Finding a reputable, experienced remodeler is becoming more difficult.
A Rewarding Career Path: The Value of the Trades
The skilled trades are not just a job—they’re a profession that requires a unique combination of intelligence, problem-solving, and creativity. A career in the trades is both fun and challenging, offering hands-on experiences that keep work engaging and dynamic every day.
Unlike traditional desk jobs, working in construction and remodeling means seeing the tangible results of your efforts. Skilled tradespeople bring blueprints to life, solving complex structural and design challenges in real time.
Here’s what makes a career in the trades exciting and fulfilling: ✔️ Strong Spatial Understanding – Reading blueprints, framing walls, and installing cabinetry all require a strong grasp of spatial relationships and geometry. ✔️ Physics & Engineering Knowledge – Construction isn’t just about assembling materials—it’s about understanding load-bearing structures, thermal expansion, and material properties. ✔️ Creativity & Craftsmanship – Remodeling is an art form, requiring skill with wood, metal, stone, and other materials to create something beautiful and lasting. ✔️ Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Every project presents unique challenges, from structural obstacles to design constraints. Tradespeople need to think on their feet and develop creative solutions. ✔️ Math & Measurement Skills – Precision is key in construction. Professionals use algebra, geometry, and trigonometry daily to ensure perfect cuts, proper angles, and accurate installations. ✔️ Job Variety – No two projects are the same, making work exciting and dynamic instead of repetitive or monotonous. ✔️ Teamwork & Leadership – Construction crews operate like well-oiled machines, requiring strong communication and collaboration. ✔️ Independence & Entrepreneurship – Many skilled tradespeople eventually open their own businesses, creating opportunities for financial independence and career growth.
The skilled trades are an excellent career choice for those who enjoy working with their hands, solving complex problems, and building something meaningful. The work is rewarding, intellectually stimulating, and offers limitless opportunities for growth. One of the biggest misconceptions about the trades is that they are a “fallback” option. In reality, a career in the trades offers job security, financial stability, and hands-on, meaningful work. Consider this: ✔️ Skilled trades offer competitive salaries – Many tradespeople earn as much—or more—than their college-educated peers, without the burden of student loan debt. ✔️ Hands-on learning is ideal for many students – Not everyone thrives in a traditional classroom setting, and the trades offer real-world experience from day one. ✔️ Opportunities for entrepreneurship – Many tradespeople eventually start their own businesses, creating even greater financial and professional independence. ✔️ Job demand is skyrocketing – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in the construction and remodeling industries, meaning plenty of job opportunities.
Women in the Trades: An Untapped Resource
One of the most overlooked opportunities in addressing the skilled labor shortage is encouraging more women to enter the construction trades. Historically, construction has been a male-dominated field, but that is starting to change as more women recognize the financial and career benefits of a trade-based profession.
✔️ Skilled trades provide excellent earning potential and job stability. ✔️ Diversity strengthens the industry, bringing new perspectives and innovation. ✔️ Women are excelling in roles such as carpentry, electrical work, and project management, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.
Encouraging young women and career-switchers to consider the trades is essential to closing the workforce gap and ensuring the longevity of the industry.
How J.S. Brown & Co. Supports the Future of the Industry
At J.S. Brown & Co., we are committed to helping build the next generation of skilled tradespeople. One way we do this is by supporting Build My Future, an initiative led by Central Ohio BIA and NARI to introduce students to careers in construction and remodeling.
✔️ The first annual Build My Future event took place in 2024, giving students hands-on exposure to the skilled trades. ✔️ The next event will be held on October 1, 2025, at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. ✔️ We participate in workforce development efforts to encourage young people to consider a career in the trades.
By actively engaging with students, parents, and educators, we aim to change perceptions and highlight the real-world benefits of pursuing a trade career.
Encouraging Young People (and Parents) to Consider the Trades
The key to reversing the skilled labor shortage is education and exposure. Many students (and their parents) are unaware of the incredible opportunities that exist in the trades. Here’s how we can help shift the conversation: ✔️ Reintroduce vocational education into schools – More high schools should offer trade-based learning opportunities. ✔️ Educate parents about alternative career paths – College isn’t the only route to success, and the trades provide financially rewarding careers with less debt. ✔️ Support apprenticeships and training programs – Hands-on training is the best way to prepare the next generation for success. ✔️ Celebrate skilled trade professionals – Just as society values doctors, engineers, and lawyers, we must recognize and respect the craftsmanship and expertise that tradespeople bring to the industry.
The Future of Remodeling Depends on a Strong Workforce
The skilled trade shortage is one of the most pressing challenges facing the remodeling industry today. By investing in workforce development, encouraging young people to explore trade careers, and supporting diversity in the industry, we can ensure a strong future for construction and remodeling.
At J.S. Brown & Co., we’re committed to building not just beautiful homes, but also a thriving industry with skilled professionals who take pride in their craft. If you or someone you know is interested in exploring a career in the trades, consider attending the Build My Future event on October 1, 2025, and discover what’s possible in the world of remodeling and construction.
Interested in a remodeling project? Contact J.S. Brown & Co. today, and work with a team that values craftsmanship, professionalism, and the future of the industry.
