(from CUPA-HR) Electricians, carpenters, plumbers and other skilled crafts workers are in high demand on higher-education campuses, a trend that is expected to accelerate in the years ahead. Jobs for this class of workers are growing at nearly triple the rate of office/clerical and service/maintenance positions combined, according to CUPA-HR's 2018 Staff in Higher Education Survey. Although these positions make up only 7 percent of the higher-ed workforce, their impact will loom disproportionately because nearly half of the people now holding them are 55 or older, and fewer young workers are pursuing skilled-crafts careers.
"The good news is that these findings come in time to plan and prepare for these possible shortages," said Jackie Bichesel of CUPA-HR. "HR professionals can assess the likely impact at their own institutions, as well as whether there are enough workers in the local pipeline to fill future gaps."
More from CUPA-HR
Listen to the latest episode of the Net Assets podcast.
