Page 24 - Stuff Made and Built in Delaware 2020

A RETIRING GENERATION OF WORKERS LEAVES ROOM IN A VARIETY OF SKILLED TRADES
electrical and exhaust systems of vehicles to help them comply with pollution regulations. Entry-level wages for this profession in Delaware average $16.63 an hour, according to the Delaware Department of Labor.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the best growth prospects for those who have completed a postsecondary training program
in diesel engine repair, such as
the one being offered at Delaware Technical Community College’s (DTCC) Middletown campus.
Entry-level cement masons and concrete finishers in Delaware are paid an average of $18.45 an hour, while brick masons and block masons can expect to make $20.08.
BIM and Drone Operation
“It has become apparent through this COVID-19 pandemic how important virtual technology is in the construction industry,” says Chambers. “If you like video games, Building Information Modeling (BIM) or flying drones throughout active construction sites for safety and efficiency purposes is a viable possibility towards making a good living.”
BY TODD KARPOVICH
S everal trades in the construction industry are
poised for growth over the next few years. Many of these jobs will provide a competitive salary, training and opportunities for advancement.
The workforce in construction, as in other sectors, is dealing with the retirement of Baby Boomers. The National Center for Construction Education & Research estimates that 41% of the current construction workforce will retire by 2031.
“We have significant need based
on retirees leaving the industry,” agrees Bryon Short, executive vice president of the Delaware Contractors Association (DCA). “There’s been a decades-long reduction of people choosing to go into the construction industry, due to the push of ‘everybody goes to college.’”
P22 STUFF | DelawareBusinessTimes.com
The construction sector was busy before the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be in the future as well, says
Ed Capodanno, president of ABC Delaware. “There still is a need for workers, and there will be a need as we look forward.”
Here is a look at some of the trades poised for growth.
Diesel Mechanics and Masons
“Two extremely viable career choices I don’t feel receive enough attention are diesel mechanics and masons,” says Jamie Chambers, DCA’s community manager. “All our contractor members are looking to hire, but those two areas specifically struggle more than others.”
Diesel mechanics work on the
TOP JOBS:
Construction