 Young urban adults, ages 17 to 22, comprise the largest group of unemployed and under-employed in the U.S. This is no surprise, and has probably been the case since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution -- most certainly since we started tracking unemployment statistics. The reasons are fairly clear. Every year, hundreds of thousands of graduating high school seniors enter the job market with minimal life skills and limited job training. These young people must vie with experienced and skilled individuals already in the workforce. How do they compete? One way is by costing less. But while wages are important, they are only one part of the hiring equation. Timing, integrity, enthusiasm and character also matter.
What does this have to do with green collar jobs?
Right now a great deal of emphasis is being placed on the creation of green collar jobs -- the manufacture, marketing and distribution of everything from alternative energy to carbon-capturing devices. Typically these jobs are knowledge-based and require specialized skills or advanced degrees in fields such as engineering, chemistry and architecture. But highly skilled people are rarely out of work. It's the less skilled individuals who need help securing green collar jobs.
In my travels from coast-to-coast, I've talked to numerous successful building contractors and have partnered with a few. During our meetings, the most frequently asked question is: "Where can I get skilled workers?" Sure, construction is in the doldrums today, but what about the past 20 years -- and the next 20? Are we going to stop building? Heck no! We need housing, schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities and offices for our growing population. Skilled construction workers won't come from the schools of engineering, design or architecture. They will come from high schools, and from the streets.
Which reminds me of a story ...
When I was in the third grade I had a friend named Gordon who was generally considered a juvenile delinquent because he had no ambition, was always getting thrown out of school and showed little interest in anything. My family eventually moved and I lost contact with him until we bumped into each other in a store years later. Gordon told me he had started a painting company that employed 20 people. I was a freshman in college and thought I was pretty hot stuff, but since I'd always had an entrepreneurial flair I complimented him on his drive and asked what had changed in his life. He said "Ted, I was lost and didn't know what I wanted to do, but I knew I had to do something so I just started." He could see that I didn't quite understand what he was driving at, so he explained, "Look, it's like turning the wheel of a car without power steering. If the car is sitting still, it's too hard to turn, but when you begin moving forward, the wheels turn more easily. I had to get moving in order to find my direction."
There are legions of young people out there who need to "get moving," and whose interest in the growing green-building industry could be sparked with the right kind of exposure. Enter The ReUse Institute. Most of our graduates had never heard of deconstruction before they took the TRP training course. They were kinetic learners, full of energy and looking for an outlet. Deconstruction introduced them to a job that, among other things, involves physical work, requires interesting tools, fosters teamwork, builds confidence and helps the environment.
Deconstruction training helps fill the apprentice ranks of the construction trades. Graduates get to see the possibilities, job paths that can lead to employment as electricians, carpenters, masons and the many green-collar specialties sure to emerge in the coming years.
Deconstruction training has the potential to move increasing numbers of people from unskilled to semi-skilled positions, and to skilled specialties. Job training and development are important to everyone, regardless of profession, but if we want to train and employ the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time, I cannot think of a better way.
Reuse Contest
Our 2008 reuse contest was so successful that we've decided to sponsor the competition annually. Win TRP gift certificates redeemable for up to $225 worth of building materials at TRP and partner warehouses in Oakland, Pacoima, Chicago and Kansas City. All 2009 entries must be received by August 1. Click here for contest rules: thereusepeople.org/ReUse_Contest. |
