The first Wednesday in May is designated National Skilled Trades Day — this year on May 4 — to serve as a day to bring attention to and recognize those workers.
I have long been aware that most people do not place enough value on the trades. The expectation to earn a four-year degree immediately after high school is still largely prevalent, although with rising costs of education and a little bit of a shift in attitudes, I think that other options are finally gaining more respect again.
The National Day Calendar website sums it up nicely: “Our society has a hard time accepting the skilled trades route as a valuable career path. National Skilled Trades Day aims to raise awareness and help show America the value of skilled trades. If we are going to create growth in our country, we must celebrate the critical jobs that fall under skilled trades. … The skilled trades community holds the country together.”
Nothing has taught me that better than the nine years I have spent at COLE Publishing, working on publications that serve many of those trades: drain cleaning, plumbing, portable sanitation, septic pumping, onsite septic installation, and water and wastewater utilities.
But most people do not have the benefit of learning firsthand how important your jobs are by reading your stories every day. Though you probably have some advocates like your friends and family and satisfied customers who understand and appreciate your skills, it mostly falls to you to show others how much you contribute. It’s one of the reasons I love it whenever someone featured in the magazine tells me that a poster of their article or cover hangs in their office. Even if only you and your employees see it, it’s a reminder that your work is valued, acknowledged and something to take pride in.
When it comes to getting the word out about the growing need for people to consider a trade as a career (and view the trades with more respect), the National Day Calendar website has some suggestions:
- Get the word out about the need for skilled trades workers and the benefits of learning a trade. Contact local radio and television stations and newspapers. The community needs to hear you are looking for skilled trades workers.
- Host an open house at your business.
- Highlight your employees on social media: Why did they pick a career in the drain cleaning or plumbing? What life lessons have they learned in their years working in a trade?
- Share your trade with someone you know.
- Post on social media using #NationalSkilledTradesDay.
- Volunteer to speak at a career fair.
I’ll be thinking about all of our readers on May 4. I hope you can take a little time to spread the word that your skills deserve respect.
Happy National Skilled Trades Day. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue.
