There has been a shortage of skilled tradespeople in North America for many years. Recent data from global commercial real estate firm JLL suggests that the problem is worsening. According to JLL, as many as 2.1 million skilled trades positions could go unfilled in the U.S. by 2030. Such a shortage does not bode well for ongoing plans to double the size of the electrical grid, boost the manufacturing sector, and greatly expand the number of AI data centers.
This latest JLL skilled trades talent research report points out severe shortages in areas such as electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, pipefitters, construction equipment operators, metalworkers, and maintenance specialists. The consequences could be drastic. The potential economic losses could reach as high as $1 trillion annually, according to the report, which cites Department of Education figures.
“Tradespeople are the custodians of the physical infrastructure upon which every organization depends,” said Dr. Paul Morgan, Global COO, Real Estate Management Services at JLL. “We're at a critical inflection point where demand for skilled trades is accelerating while the available workforce continues to shrink. This systemic crisis threatens how we power our data centers, cool our laboratories, secure our manufacturing facilities and maintain the spaces where millions of Americans work every day. We risk operational disruptions that will ripple through the entire economy, affecting everything from construction timelines to energy costs to building safety. The window to act is now, before the gap becomes insurmountable.”
Employment growth projections
Projected employment growth for key trades of 9.5% between now and 2034 is expected to outpace the national average of 3.1% for all occupations. During 2025, 600,000 jobs were posted for major skilled trades positions in the United States. However, only 150,000 workers entered the labor pool through apprenticeship programs. The math isn’t working out: for every five workers who retire from construction, manufacturing and skilled trades sectors, two replacements enter the workforce. That’s a long-term recipe for disaster.
But there is good news. Community college programs have risen 12% over the past five years. This is being driven in part by more emphasis on trade-related majors such as construction, engineering, mechanical, and repair technologies. It appears that young people are beginning to appreciate the value of a trade career as opposed to the trend over the past fifty years of most people striving for an academic college degree. Both are important and both should be supported.
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