Nearly 6,000 Houston-area students got the chance to “test drive” lucrative design and construction careers through a program from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), Hackettstown, N.J. Half of the students attending the BridgeYear/NKBA Career Tours expressed high interest in one or more of the careers, including electrical trades, while more than 90% of the participating students reported positive views about the occupations.

These findings echo new NKBA research among a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school students showing that the long-time stigma associated with the skilled trades is lessening. In fact, according to a press release from the association, about half of the students NKBA surveyed said they were receptive to at least one of the skilled trades, while fewer than a quarter expressed concern that parents or peers would view such careers negatively. Almost all said they have at least a few friends who are considering skilled-trade careers.

Although the survey was conducted between March 23-30, 2020, with most respondents under stay-at-home orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than three-quarters agreed with the statement that these skills would "always be in demand."

Key findings of the survey include:

• Of respondents, 27% said they definitely or probably would consider a career in electrical installation.
• Smart home technology installation and home audio/video/security installation rated a bit higher, at about 40% of high schoolers saying they definitely or probably would consider a career in those fields.
• Early exposure to skilled trades would be beneficial to most students. About half became interested prior to high school, with the other half becoming interested during high school. Many of the latter group said they wished they had earlier exposure.
• High school classes, social media, and knowing someone in the skilled trades are the most common ways kids become interested in design and construction careers. 
• Concerns about these careers centered around the impact of physical labor on their long-term well-being.
• In general, a better understanding of career paths would help attract more students, as only about one-quarter feel very informed on either topic. About 40% said they need a lot more information. Students said field trips to local businesses, one-on-one "day at work" visits with local skilled tradespeople, career days, and field trips to technical colleges were some of the ways students thought would help them better understand the field.

"Our industry depends on a strong pipeline of craftspeople to survive and thrive," said Bill Darcy, NKBA's CEO. "Our national research, combined with our BridgeYear/NKBA Career Tours experience, tells us that our data-driven approach is working to attract the new talent our industry needs.” 

For more information, visit the NKBU website.