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Where do I start?
We have the same problem here and it seem the only young men who are willing to do any type of work are the Latino youth that aren't college bound. I have not seen a young white kid working the trades in a very long time. Unlike 30 years ago when I started. My painter was an Irish American, tile setter was of Greek heritage, the other was British. If these kids have any college in them such as Jr college, we've lost them and many of them wouldn't go into the trades. Even in Jr colleges, the trades are look down upon by faculty, parents, and other students. I have not seen any young punks under the age of 25 or 30 working for any of my subs. My stucco man, his two kids, one is willing to sweep floors, the other works as a driver for Amazon instead of working for dad. He's done pretty well for an immigrant from south of the border with absolutely no education. Both his kids did not finish HS and has no plan to take over the business. I suppose I understand that also, b ecause I did not take over my dad's jewelry making business only to push forward with my own interest.
I taught Shop classes upon graduation from college. My CA credential is still valid and paid to keep it that way every few years. It was Wood shop, construction and architecture. I was the dumping ground for the failing kids. Not many of the parents wanted their kids in those classes because they were in the trades themselves working for little money because many of them were first gen immigrants with little schooling. Some of the faculty say it to me all the times. "Put those who fail english or math in your class so they can learn a trade. Special ed kids need to learn a trade so they can make a living". My reply was always, do you want that special ed kid working on your brakes or build the cantilever home's foundation on the hill side or you want the math wiz?
John is correct, the trades are not friendly to one's body. By 50, they need to slow way down. My father told me and I am glad it was the only thing it stuck with me. There's always someone that will do the heavy lifting. For a couple years in my early 20s, I did some dirty work including framing. I hated it, so I no longer do them after that. The finish work, I enjoy and still do a bit here and there to keep myself sane.
I am not sure if I want my sons to be in this business? Its a tough gig, and getting more difficult to make any serious money. Jobs are still out there and plenty, but the competition is getting fierce from all the cut throat immigrants. It always been this way, they charge labor plus materials without insurances and lic. The way things are going through the roof, it will be a tough pill to swallow in the next few years. At 120-230 an hour, there's not too much money to be made. Clients just aren't willing to pay it, where as the guy from Craigslist are asking 40 plus parts.
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