Lauren Leazenby at HomeServe reports the demand for Skilled Workers in the Trades is at a record high. That’s because there's a lack of Workers currently employed in the Trades - that is, Welders, Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, Mechanics, HVAC Technicians and the like - and an increasing number of available jobs. Even so, Black Tradespeople are seriously under-represented in these fields. Black Workers make up only 6% of Skilled Tradespeople - but represent almost 14% of the total U.S. population. Mathematically over-represented in the Trades are both Hispanic and Latino Workers, who make up 21.9% of Tradespeople and just 19% of the population. White Tradespeople account for 65.9% of all Tradespeople, while being 75.3% of the total population. HomeServe examined the systemic barriers, pay disparities and pipeline challenges contributing to this gap - and what it might take to close it. Carl Toussaint, a former Technician and current Field Supervisor for HomeServe Energy Services, said Skilled Trades likely aren't discussed in urban areas or schools with a high population of minority students. He said many high schools in the New York City area, for example, aren't offering shop classes or HVAC courses, so many young people simply aren't exposed to these options. "A lot of people have no clue how much money they can make in this industry or what it's really about," he said.

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