Why is skilled carpentry declining in America?

Skilled carpentry is declining in America due to a combination of factors, including the aging workforce, a lack of younger workers entering the trades, and a societal shift towards higher education and service-based jobs. Other contributing factors include the perception of lower pay, limited training programs, and the impact of technology and alternative materials on the industry. [1, 2, 3, 4]

There has been a shift in recent years away from custom built projects to more factory-made 'consumables' as we shift to more of a consumer based society. This in turn creates a lack of people interested in creating quality products: housing, custom furniture, etc. as there is less of a demand for it. [6]

Here's a more detailed look at the reasons: [1, 1, 2, 2]

• Aging Workforce and Retirement: A significant portion of the current carpentry workforce is aging, and the number of retirees is not being adequately replaced by younger workers. [1, 1, 2, 2]

• Lack of Interest and Education: Many young people are not pursuing carpentry careers due to a lack of exposure to trade skills, a societal emphasis on higher education, and misconceptions about the income potential. [2, 2, 3]

• Shift in Economy and Technology: The shift from manufacturing to service-based economies and advancements in technology have also contributed to the decline in carpentry, as some jobs have become automated. [2, 2, 4, 4]

• Limited Training Programs and Resources: There is a need for more accessible and affordable training programs for those interested in carpentry. [2, 2]

• Alternative Construction Materials: The use of alternative materials in construction has also reduced the demand for traditional carpentry skills. [4, 4]

• Perception of Lower Pay: While skilled carpenters can earn good salaries, some people perceive trade careers as offering lower pay compared to careers requiring college degrees, according to one article. [2, 2, 5, 5]

[1] https://www.prtstaffing.com/news/lack-of-skilled-tradesman-is-a-big-challenge-facing-the-u.s.-economy

[2] https://www.prtstaffing.com/news/the-looming-crisis-americas-skilled-tradesmen-shortage-its-impact

[3] https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/rebuilding-construction-trades-workforce

[4] https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-reasons-for-the-decline-of-carpentry

[5] https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4uRJnGfvLco&pp=ygUPI2NhcnBlbnRyeXdvcmxk

[6]https://craftsmanship.net/throwaway-nation-americas-history-of-planned-obsolescence/