TULSA, Okla. –Skilled trade jobs play a critical role in keeping communities in Oklahoma and across the country running.
Now, Folds of Honor is working to support the next generation stepping into those essential fields.
“Nothing in this country gets built, fixed, repaired, done without these trade skills,” said Col. Nick Nichols, President of Folds of Honor.
The nonprofit provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. While those scholarships can be used toward traditional four-year degrees, Nichols said the organization is placing a stronger emphasis on skilled trade programs.
“For every five that are retiring out of trade skills, only one to two are coming in. That is unsustainable,” Nichols said.
As he reviewed last year’s 11,000 scholarship applications, Nichols noticed only about 125 to 150 applicants planned to pursue trade careers. That shortage is something Matt Bennett sees firsthand. As president of Bennett Steel, a family-run construction business, he said finding qualified workers has become increasingly difficult.
“The labor shortage is getting slim. We’re having a hard time finding good, qualified, trained people,” Bennett said. He believes more young people would consider trade careers if they understood the earning potential and stability available right out of training.
Scott Williams, Deputy Superintendent and COO at Tulsa Tech, agrees.
He says “blue collar” careers are reemerging as highly attractive options for students seeking a faster path to financial stability.
“If you’re looking to go into aviation, we have an aviation maintenance program where you get a license, and you can go work for American Airlines. That’s a very quick path to a middle-income earning career,” Williams said.
As seasoned workers retire, industry leaders said it is critical to prepare the next generation to step in.
“A lot of the older generation is retiring now,” Bennett said. “We need a good young force to come in and take their spot. That way, businesses like ours can continue to flourish.”
Colonel Nichols said Folds of Honor is committed to ensuring every qualified applicant interested in trade school has the opportunity to attend. The scholarship application window closes March 31.
A full list of qualifications and a link to apply can be found on Folds of Honor’s website.
