The Charleston Plumber Shortage
I have been saying it for a long time. There is a shortage of plumbers and other tradesmen. For a generation formal education has stuck a negative stigma on the trades. Now we are looking at a large gap to fill as older plumbers get ready to retire.
Schools no longer teach trades. I know that for years I have looked for trade schools in the local area when I occasionally came across a young prospect. We ended up sending one or two out to a school in Arizona a few years ago. It proved to be a good investment.
Job growth in the plumbing industry is expected to grow more that double the average over the next ten years. Construction companies know that they are dead in the water with out plumbers. Many of them are creating packages and incentives to get the older plumber to stay and to poach from other companies. There are only so many to go around.
Young men and women should take a good look at the plumbing shortage and demand before choosing a college track. Plumbing salaries will only rise in years to come. Plumbers will always be essential.
