Tami Bohannon
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Written by Tami Bohannon | President, Senior Living Foundation
October is Construction Month and National Energy Awareness/Weather Awareness Month, and Arizona is at a crossroads.
With one of the most active construction sectors in the country, our state faces a severe shortage of trade professionals. This shortage not only threatens Arizona’s manufacturing industry and economic growth. It also impacts the very structure of community programs that allow low-income and underserved populations to age in the safety and comfort of their homes.
According to the Arizona Department of Commerce, Arizona will need more than 195,000 craft professionals by the end of 2024 to meet demand. However, persistent prejudice against careers in construction continues to prevent young people from entering the field, with many perceiving it as a low-paying job with little room for growth. In fact, the construction industry offers lucrative opportunities with a path to advancement.
Nonprofit organizations like the Foundation for Senior Living are deeply invested in this sector and its impact on our communities. They work to improve the health of thousands of households each year through free, life-changing weatherization programs that make homes more energy efficient and protect them from the elements. The company helps low-income individuals and families through investments such as repairing or replacing air conditioners, water heaters, and other appliances, installing insulation, energy-efficient LED light bulbs or CO/smoke detectors, and installing shade screens. We support you.
However, a lack of skilled labor is a barrier to expanding this essential service. Many people don’t want to get their hands dirty and don’t want to invest the time to get the certifications they need to get promoted. They also don’t realize that construction is a high-paying industry with plenty of growth options.
According to the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Phoenix metropolitan area has about 59 million square feet of industrial land under construction, the largest in the nation. Arizona is projected to add 37,000 new construction jobs by 2031, but 41% of current construction workers are expected to retire over the same period. There is an urgent need to encourage young people to choose career paths in the industry.
A career in the trades, especially in weatherization, can be very lucrative and rewarding. Here are some reasons to consider a career in this field.
1. Growing Demand: As awareness of climate change and energy conservation increases, there is a growing demand for weatherization professionals who can help improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings.
2. Environmental Impact: Weatherization plays a key role in reducing energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable living. By working in this field, you will be making a positive contribution to the environment.
3. Job Stability: Government incentives and programs aimed at lowering energy costs and increasing energy efficiency maintain employment in the weatherization field. All 50 states have weatherization programs, which means there are plenty of opportunities for advancement.
4. Diverse Career Paths: A career in weatherization can lead to a variety of roles, including energy auditor, insulation installer, and project manager. This diversity allows individuals to find a niche that suits their skills and interests.
5. Hands-on work: For those who prefer hands-on work, weatherization provides an opportunity to be directly involved with building systems and make tangible improvements that will benefit the homeowner.
6. Skills Development: Working in the field of weatherization allows you to develop valuable skills in energy assessment, building science, and construction technology, increasing your employability in related fields. The benefits of being part of the FSL team include a variety of complementary, nationally recognized certifications to expand your knowledge base.
7. Community Engagement: Weatherization professionals often work closely with local communities, helping low-income households access energy efficiency programs that can significantly reduce utility bills and improve living conditions. Masu.
8. Innovative Technology: The field is continually evolving with new technologies and materials aimed at improving energy efficiency, providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
9. Promotion Potential: As you gain experience, you have the opportunity to advance to supervisory or managerial positions, or specialize in areas such as renewable energy integration.
10. Personal Fulfillment: Many people find weatherization work rewarding because it directly contributes to improving quality of life by creating more comfortable and energy-efficient homes.
FSL wants more schools to get an early start to promote career paths like weatherization. We believe it is the key to the sustainability of Arizona’s housing and economic infrastructure. Together, we can build a more resilient workforce and a brighter future for Arizona. To learn more or become an FSL contractor, visit https://www.fsl.org/weatherization/.
Editor’s note: Tami Bohannon is president and CEO of the Phoenix-based Senior Living Foundation. The foundation is a 50-year-old nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing solutions, nutritious meals, health and wellness services, and caregiving services. We welcome reader responses, both for and against, at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Keywords Careers in Construction Month, National Energy Awareness/Weathering Month, community programs, weathering, Arizona Department of Commerce, craft professionals, weathering programs, construction jobs, trades, construction careers, sustainable living, government incentives, energy efficiency
