I work for an agency that operates a wastewater treatment plant. It's one of several industrial sites in the county, which is home to several factories and four large oil refineries.
A friend of mine at work is a welder. He'd once thought about becoming a pharmacist, but changed his mind when he realized he could earn more money by using his hands, working outdoors, and fusing metal together. He loves his job, and teaches welding at a local community college in his spare time. But the number of students is dwindling.
It seems that few young people have any interest in learning blue-collar trades that could earn them six-figure salaries. Instead, they want a college degree -- often at their parents' urging -- and a comfortable white-collar job where their hands stay clean and their work is no more strenuous than tapping a keyboard.
As blue-collar Baby Boomers near retirement age, there will be a serious shortage of workers to replace them.
Companies that in the past had no trouble hiring blue-collar workers are getting worried about the future. They're actively recruiting, and trying to convince people that blue-collar jobs are worth pursuing.
My friend the welder doesn't understand the lack of interest. "I make $100,000 a year welding, I don't have to deal with office politics, and I'm always home for my son's Little League games. What's not to like?"
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