7 in 10 Electricians Concerned About Skills Gap, Survey Finds

 May 7, 2017

A shortage of skilled electricians remains an area of concern, according to results from Klein Tools’ annual survey of 600 union and non-union electricians. However, seasoned electricians are volunteering their time to mentor, educate and train young electricians to preserve industry knowledge.

Most respondents also believe that on-the-job training is critical to creating a more experienced workforce.

Almost half of respondents mentor or train others

Results show that nearly 7 in 10 electricians are concerned about the skills gap in the labour market, and virtually all, 95%, believe more should be done to promote skilled trades as a career option for young people. Electricians are finding opportunities to support the future of the trade in several ways:

• in the past year, 46% of electricians have mentored or trained apprentices or students voluntarily. This includes 52% of union electricians and 43% non-union

• apprenticeship programs are the most common structured setting for volunteering. Of those who volunteered their time, 3 in 5 electricians did so in a structured setting, through an apprentice program, trade school, high school, or official organization

• non-union electricians are significantly more likely to volunteer on their own with people they know.

“It is essential to the industry for experienced electricians to share their knowledge with apprentices and students to help reduce the skills gap,” says Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools. “We value education and work to recognize electricians who serve their communities through our Electrician of the Year program. The 2016 Electrician of the Year winner and runner-up both volunteer their time with apprentices and students in the trades, and even donated their winnings to their local training centres. We encourage volunteering and mentoring, and continue to support our young electricians by providing the tools they need to succeed.”

Electricians value on-the-job training

This year’s survey also found 78% of electricians who believe there is an electrician shortage agree that more on-the-job training would create a more experienced workforce. In fact, 5 in 6 electricians credit on-the-job training as the most valuable part of their educational experience.

In addition to on-the-job training, survey results showed electricians also spend a considerable amount of time in the classroom, with three-quarters of electricians having received classroom training. Web-based electrical training has increased for the second consecutive year, and continues to grow.

Find out more: www.kleintools.com/2017survey1.