DiscoverThe Indicator from Planet MoneyWhy aren't more people taking on the trades?
Why aren't more people taking on the trades?

Why aren't more people taking on the trades?

Update: 2024-09-061
Share

Digest

This podcast delves into the critical issue of the manufacturing job shortage in the United States. Danelle Epps, a Yale Law student, recognized this problem and decided to bridge the gap by learning a trade himself. He enrolled in a vocational school and became a machinist, gaining firsthand experience of the skills needed in manufacturing. After experiencing the challenges of finding skilled workers firsthand, Epps explored various solutions, including virtual reality training. However, he found that VR training wasn't effective and realized the need for a deeper understanding of the job market. His experience in trade school highlighted the importance of vocational training and the need for a shift in societal priorities. He emphasizes the need for more skilled workers in manufacturing and argues that the ratio of lawyers to machinists should be more balanced. The episode discusses the macro trends driving the demand for manufacturing jobs, including the pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and government investments in clean energy and semiconductor chip factories. The lack of skilled workers poses a significant challenge to these projects. Epps, after graduating from both law school and trade school, founded Thurgood Industries. The company aims to bridge the gap between employers and potential workers in the manufacturing and construction industries through an app that connects them.

Outlines

00:00:13
The Manufacturing Job Shortage and Danelle Epps's Journey

This chapter explores the growing shortage of skilled workers in the US manufacturing industry. Danelle Epps, a Yale Law student, noticed this problem and decided to bridge the gap by learning a trade himself. He enrolled in a vocational school and became a machinist, gaining firsthand experience of the skills needed in manufacturing.

00:03:22
Exploring Solutions and the Importance of Trade Schools

Danelle Epps, after experiencing the challenges of finding skilled workers firsthand, explored various solutions, including virtual reality training. However, he found that VR training wasn't effective and realized the need for a deeper understanding of the job market. His experience in trade school highlighted the importance of vocational training and the need for a shift in societal priorities. He emphasizes the need for more skilled workers in manufacturing and argues that the ratio of lawyers to machinists should be more balanced.

00:07:47
Macro Trends, Thurgood Industries, and the Future of Manufacturing Jobs

The episode discusses the macro trends driving the demand for manufacturing jobs, including the pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and government investments in clean energy and semiconductor chip factories. The lack of skilled workers poses a significant challenge to these projects. Danelle Epps, after graduating from both law school and trade school, founded Thurgood Industries. The company aims to bridge the gap between employers and potential workers in the manufacturing and construction industries through an app that connects them.

Keywords

Manufacturing Job Shortage


The lack of skilled workers in the US manufacturing industry, driven by factors like automation, aging workforce, and societal perception of trades.

Trade School


Vocational schools that provide practical training in skilled trades, offering an alternative to traditional college education and addressing the need for skilled workers.

Virtual Reality Training


Using VR technology to simulate real-world manufacturing tasks, offering hands-on experience and potentially bridging the skills gap.

Thurgood Industries


A company founded by Danelle Epps, aiming to connect employers and potential workers in the manufacturing and construction industries through an app.

Advanced Manufacturing


Modern manufacturing processes that incorporate technology, automation, and data analysis, requiring skilled workers with diverse skillsets.

Supply Chain Disruptions


The disruptions in the flow of goods and services caused by factors like the pandemic, leading to increased demand for skilled workers in manufacturing.

Clean Energy


Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, requiring skilled workers in manufacturing for the production of components and infrastructure.

Semiconductor Chip Factories


Facilities that manufacture semiconductor chips, a critical component in various technologies, driving demand for skilled workers in manufacturing.

Q&A

  • What challenges does the US manufacturing industry face in terms of finding skilled workers?

    The industry faces a shortage of skilled workers due to factors like automation, an aging workforce, and societal perceptions that undervalue trades.

  • How did Danelle Epps's experience in trade school change his perspective on the manufacturing job market?

    His experience highlighted the importance of vocational training and the need for a shift in societal priorities, emphasizing the need for more skilled workers in manufacturing.

  • What are some of the macro trends driving the demand for manufacturing jobs?

    The pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and government investments in clean energy and semiconductor chip factories are increasing the demand for skilled workers in manufacturing.

  • What is the goal of Thurgood Industries?

    Thurgood Industries aims to bridge the gap between employers and potential workers in the manufacturing and construction industries through an app that connects them and makes the trades more appealing.

Show Notes

There is expected to be a lot of demand for manufacturing jobs in the coming decade, but many of those positions will be left unfilled. So Darnell Epps set out to close that gap by connecting employers with workers and showing potential workers what's appealing about these jobs. Today, we dig into Darnell Epps journey through both law school and trade school.

Related episodes:
One of the hottest jobs in AI right now: 'types-question guy' (Apple / Spotify)
Why it's so hard to mass produce houses in factories (Apple / Spotify)

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Why aren't more people taking on the trades?

Why aren't more people taking on the trades?