Here are some eye-popping numbers to consider:
7.7 million: the number of open jobs in the United States
4.1 million: the number of skills-based jobs open in the United States
500,000: the number of additional electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians needed by 2028
10,000: the number of skilled manufacturing workers needed in Colorado by 2027
Followers of our blog know that we frequently try to raise awareness of the enormous gap between the supply of skilled workers and the overwhelming demand in our country and state. As reported on in a recent Forbes article, the urgency continues to rise but so has awareness.
It’s heartening to observe significant strides being made in this area. With large-scale investments in technical education and lawmakers actively reclassifying degree requirements, we're witnessing a monumental shift. The once-overbearing stigma surrounding vocational training is dissipating, and the value of tangible skills is coming into sharper focus. While these changes will not rectify decades of economic and public policy challenges overnight, we are on the right path.
Perhaps most alarmingly, what began as an economic emergency in the wake of the pandemic has now escalated into a matter of national security. Take the recent article from the Wall Street Journal, that reveals the consequences of this skilled labor shortage, particularly in the context of the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding efforts. In the past three years, the staggering statistic- China has built 47% of all the world’s ships, and the U.S. just 0.1%, according to United Nations data. Skilled labor shortages are a key reason numerous navy programs are behind schedule and over budget and have far reaching implications.
Yet, amidst these challenges lies an incredible opportunity—especially for the economically disadvantaged and under-resourced young adults of Colorado. For thousands 17 to 19-year-old high school graduates facing crises of their own, whether it’s aging out of the foster care system, emerging from justice involvement, lacking stable housing, family support, or basic resources, now is the time to act. The booming economy is ripe for the picking, and acquiring the necessary skills can pave the way to fulfilling careers.
In the past eight months, BPI has supported 65 in-need students seeking a brighter future through the skilled trades Our partners are doing incredible work, ensuring that these students have access to essential classes, materials, certifications, and a multitude of critical wrap-around services. These resources are vital in making education accessible and achievable, transforming dreams into reality. For these deserving students, time is of the essence. Each scholarship and grant we provide is a step toward a living wage, and we understand that every moment counts. For these students, speed is essential to securing a living wage. We are wholeheartedly committed to delivering scholarships and grants in the most streamlined and accountable manner possible.
In the coming weeks, I am looking forward to issuing our first Impact Report, detailing where our donor’s investments have made a difference in the lives of Colorado’s most vulnerable students. With each contribution, we move one step closer to building a community of skilled professionals ready to fill the workforce gaps and contribute positively to our economy.
留言