This trade skills gap infographic from Bosch Power Tools NA gives an excellent overview of the deficit in skilled workers that are available to US construction industry firms. The infographic explores the causes of the lack of skilled workers for the construction industry as well as which sectors are most at risk. The infographic also goes into detail on how Bosch and SkillsUSA have been working together to address this shortage and how the construction industry can begin to rebuild for the future. Visit http://www.BoschTools.com for more.

1. WHAT’S CAUSING THE SKILLS GAP?
The post-graduation plans for high school students are not aligning with current job availability.
28%Entering a 4-year college
32%
Entering an associate’s
degree or advanced
training program
Will lack the skills
needed for employment 10%
30%
Dropping out of
the system before
completing high school
POST-GRADUATION PLANS
20%
Require minimum
skills or employment15%
Require a 4-year degree
65% Require an associate’s
degree or advanced training
CURRENT JOB AVAILABILITY
VS
VS
VS
HOW AGING WILL CONTINUE TO CREATE A GAP
How Employers Believe the Skills Gap Will Affect Their Businesses
Reduced ability to serve clients 43%
Reduced competitiveness/productivity 43%
Increased employee turnover 32%
Lower employee engagement/morale 32%
Higher compensation costs 32%
Reduced innovation/creativity 22%
SKILLED TRADE
WORKERS
TECHNICIANS
SKILLED
ENGINEERS
IT’S ALREADY HAPPENING
The hardest jobs to fill over the last 10 years:
The hardest jobs to fill in 2015 alone:
MACHINISTS LABORERSMECHANICS
Feel that it will hinder their ability
to implement new technologies
and increase productivity
Of companies surveyed on the topic
believe that this skills gap is going to affect
their ability to meet customer demand
82% 78%
21%
of skilled workers are
age 55 or older.
29%
of skilled workers are
between the ages of 45-54.
Industry estimates predict that there will be a
shortage of 1.6 million workers by the year 2020.
6M 4.5MThe number of U.S.
commercial construction
workers in 2008
The number of U.S.
commercial construction
workers in 2015
THAT’S A 25%
DECREASE
25%
WE’RE GETTING IN ON THE ACTION
To date, the Bosch Community Fund has donated more
than $1.5 million to support STEM, eco-STEM and
technical college programs in 17 U.S. communities.
Tools have also been donated to help high schools with
their shop programs.
As a sponsor and content provider to BeThePro.com,
Bosch provides support to help tradesmen guide
and mentor students, learn about job shadowing and
fellowship opportunities, and explore options for
educational classes and trade school recommendations.
This annual competition aids the development of
America’s skilled workforce. Bosch is an official and
financial partner that donates tools and thousands of
dollars yearly in support.
Through live in-person sessions at the Bosch Power
Tour and supplemental online training, Bosch helps
educate both current and prospective tradesmen on
construction safety, proper tool use and much more.
FIXING THE SKILLS GAP
Through the right educational programs, we can help to ensure that
there are enough skilled workers to meet the demand for them.
Training Partnerships
Manufacturers and educators
working together to create
training programs for students
2-Year Colleges/
Trade Schools
Outreach to encourage
more students to attend
institutions where they learn
specific trade skills
Mentorship Programs
Pairing individual students with
skilled workers to learn about
specific trades
Apprenticeships
Students working on-site with
skilled workers to learn their
chosen trade
COMMUNITY FUND POWER TOUR
BRIDGING THE
SKILLS GAP
The skills gap can be fixed, but first, let’s dive into the facts.*
Over the last 30 years, industries that employ skilled workers have seen a sharp decline in
the supply of qualified employees. Today, almost half of all general contractors in the U.S. are
concerned about a shortage of skilled craft workers due to a lack of knowledge and experience.
Compiled by Bosch Tools, a market-leading innovator in power tools and accessories dedicated
to enhancing safety and productivity for construction workers. www.boschtools.com
©2016 Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
*Sources:
www.workforceunderconstruction.com/featured/the-skilled-labor-shortage-from-4-perspectives/
www.SkillsUSA.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/SkillsUSA-Annual-Report-FY14.pdf
www.AdeccoUSA.com/employers/resources/Pages/skilled-trades-in-demand.aspx
Workforce 2020: Work and Workers in the 21st Century
www.ManPowerGroup.us/campaigns/talent-shortage-2015/
www.BLS.gov/opub/mlr/2013/article/occupational-employment-projections-to-2022.htm