The y**ng people who would have become plumbers and electricians are now becoming systems analysts and game developers instead. The hours and the pay is better, and those jobs lack the stigma associated with blue collar jobs since the push for college educations starting after WWII and through the 1960's.

Think about it: how many tradesmen say to their sons, "I hope you can follow in my footsteps?" My bet is that, in any given state, the number can be counted on one hand in a year.

So, our first question is, "why is electrical or plumbing, or HVAC, not seen as a career choice for the sons of blue collar men?"

First, it is "snob appeal," the perception that your children are "moving on up," to a higher social strata. "Johnny works with the accounting system at a big bank," dad says with pride. Somehow, wiring that big bank just does not have the same social impact.

Kids pick up these attitudes being expressed by adults, even when the adults are not making overt statements. A keyboard is seen as modern and forward, a wrench is seen as old and backward. Mike Rowe has a lot to say about this, but until we can wrest education away from the teacher's unions, things will continue this way. Soon, within 50 years, every tradesman in the US will have been born in a foreign country. It is already happening in medicine, thanks to lower reimbursements and higher rates of litigation.

No only does perception dictate reality, but symbolism reigns over substance.

In my experience (39 yrs.),most contractors don't appreciate or want skilled craftsmen. They mostly want the job done cheap and dirty. And they expect to pay the same wages they paid in the 1980's. Gas and groceries have tripled (at least) since then. Contractors, you get what you pay for.

I run an electrical contracting business and the reality of this article is this. We in this country are quick to support desk jobs, tv, and video games, but none of these lend themselves well to our trades. Most of the people able to do these jobs have had experience with their fathers turning wrenches or visiting jobs as a child. People do not want to wake up early and put in a hard day everyday even if there is decent pay. In southwestern parts of the country many of the gaps are being filled by immigrants who are hard workers, but dont have the education. Electrical installation can be done by most anyone but to do it right/safely takes an education both in the field and in the classroom. Trying to nickle and dime everything has also taken away the ability of companies to formally train individuals. When we do find the people who are willing to fill our jobs many do not have the drive or won't take the time to learn their job completely. Everyone wants everything as cheqap as possible but bottomline things cost what they cost and companies need to make money to stay in business. When everyone is trying to lower the cost of everything something has to give. We need leaders in this country to support kids getting outside, trade schools, and mechanical classes in schools. Without the introduction early on, many come into the trades overwhelmed and often quit before giving it a chance because they may not understand something as simple as righty tighty lefty loosey. Not that people are incapable but many who are in the trades grew up around these things and take that experience for granted. We need to not becomne complacent and give those below us a hand up. We need to take the time as much as is possible to certify train and teach those coming up so when we retire leave the trades or like that there are knowledgable skilled people to take our place.

Manpower group is known for 'agendized' reports and news releases. The list of (10) job types contains at least five categories that are continue to have relatively high unemployment and/or continue to have significant workforce reductions.

The important modifier is "skilled". For example, Southern California has trade peoples coming out of the walls. Many are experienced and licensed, but few are skilled and competent.