While we seem to be focused on Omicron infections and paper shortages, the long-term crisis remains the shortage of workers. At PIASC, we provide a service to our members that works to connect candidates with open jobs at our member companies. In the last six months, this service team has been swamped.

As reported across the country for the last several years, there is a growing shortage of trade workers caused, in part, by the focus on STEM curriculum in our high schools. Wood shop, auto, and printing classes went the way of budget cuts. The focus on driving young people to four-year colleges has created a real drain on the supply of technical workers, and our industry is suffering.

The shortage was exacerbated by the pandemic, which caused companies to downsize and furlough or lay off employees. We all thought they would come back as soon as the pandemic passed. The reality is that many had time to reflect on what they were doing and ultimately concluded, in my opinion, “Life is too short for me to be unhappy or unsatisfied at work.” In large numbers, older workers have opted for retirement. Other workers have decided to change careers. The result is a large number of unfilled open positions.