A frightening phenomenon pertaining to trade professionals has struck the United States. Most people require the services of plumbers, but not enough people want to be plumbers! This labor shortage has spread across many trade industries and has left business owners scratching their heads. What happens if this fearsome trend continues? If you’re curious about the logic behind the labor shortage and want an insider perspective, read the Bourgeois Blog!
Why is there a Plumber and Labor Shortage?
To understand the sudden decrease in trade careers, we have to travel back in time to the years 1946-1964. This was the age of Baby Boomers, where applicants for careers such as electricians, machinists, welders, and plumbers were abundant. Unfortunately, with more and more of this generation reaching retirement, there has been less interest seen from their successors to fill these roles. In fact, the Copper Development Association (CDA) estimates that over half of America’s trade employees are nearing retirement.
Their children and their children’s children were often encouraged to pursue collegiate degrees and subsequent careers, with trade professions being regarded more as fallback careers. Of course, you and I know this isn’t true. Electricians, plumbers, and other trade laborers keep machinery working, plants growing, and households running. Like any job, trade workers play an important role in mechanics, engineering, HVAC repair and installation, and transportation.
What Does the Shortage Mean?
The deficit in experienced professionals has caused a multitude of problems in the plumbing industry. An unexpected pitfall to the decrease is the struggle residential and commercial construction efforts have faced finding reliable plumbing contractors.
Plumbers are the glue holding a team of contractors together. A structure is not complete unless all of the pipes, water lines, and plumbing fixtures align smoothly. The consequences of the plumber shortage include Extended Deadlines and Higher Prices.
- Extended Deadlines. There just aren’t enough plumbers to go around. Without a plumbing contractor immediately aboard, the project is bound to take longer.
- Higher Prices. Construction companies have directly felt the consequences of the plumber shortage. They have had to raise prices to attract and retain experienced plumbing professionals.
How Does the Plumber Shortage Affect You?
If you’re a customer of Al Bourgeois Plumbing, it doesn’t! Not if we have anything to say about it. Not only are the members of our team skilled and experienced, but many of our technicians have been with us for decades! We value our plumbers, which is why we’ve been able to stay in business throughout natural disasters, economic crises, and trade shortages.
Why Become a Plumber or Pursue a Trade Career?
If you’re reading this blog and have considered a career in the plumbing industry, the wheels in your head have likely started to turn. This is clearly the best time to become a plumber, but what are the benefits? We may be biased, but we find plumbing to be the most rewarding and exciting career! Not only are these positions in high demand, but there are plenty of other reasons to consider entering a skilled trade industry.
- Consolidated Education. Rather than spending time exploring topics that may not pertain to your ultimate career goals, trade school focuses on knowledge and skills you can directly apply to your passion.
- Less Financial Commitment. Education and continued education are less expensive for those interested in pursuing a trade career, meaning less debt on your road to work!
- Great Salaries. Trade professionals are in high demand and can enjoy the salaries and benefits that often match the high-need positions.
Al Bourgeois is Now Hiring Plumbers!
To apply for a position at Al Bourgeois Plumbing, fill out our Job Application Form on our Careers Page. We are currently seeking plumbers with up-to-date Louisiana Journeyman Licenses. Apply Today!
Contact Al Bourgeois Plumbing for Plumbing Careers and Plumbing Services
Whether you are looking for a career in plumbing or are in need of expert plumbing services, Al Bourgeois Plumbing is here for you! We value our experienced team of plumbers and are dedicated to completing each job in a timely, efficient manner. If you’re looking for a new career, or want to request a service, contact Al Bourgeois today!
