THIS LABOR DAY, ADDRESSING TRADE SHORTAGES THROUGH INNOVATIVE STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAM IS DUBBED "A TRIPLE WIN"
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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2025 ~ As the Labor Day holiday approaches, the U.S. labor market is facing a unique set of challenges. With labor shortages in some industries and cutbacks and layoffs in others, uncertainty looms over many businesses. However, one area that seems to be consistently immune to these fluctuations is the skilled trades workforce.

According to leading industry organizations like the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), there has been a persistent and severe labor shortage in the construction trade for years. This year alone, it is estimated that approximately 450,000 new workers are needed. And with one in five construction workers being 55 or older, this demand is only expected to increase as older workers retire.

Recognizing the importance of getting young people interested in the trades as a future career path, MRA executive director Renee Ramey emphasizes the need for a stronger connection between trade education and core curriculum at both high school and higher education levels.

"Housing is a major need in many areas of the country and also presents a massive business and career opportunity for workers looking to get into the trades," says Ramey. "Unfortunately, there is a lack of focus on helping young people understand how to acquire these skills and consider it as a long-term career option."

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However, innovative programs are emerging to fill this gap. One such program is the Warrior Village Project, supported by private companies like MRA member Westlake Royal Building Products. This unique program provides hands-on technical training to high school students by combining material support with practical education.

Participating schools include San Marcos High School in San Marcos, Calif., San Pasqual High School in Escondido, Calif., and Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista, Calif. Students learn the basics of homebuilding by constructing tiny homes that are then donated to help house homeless veterans. From framing to roofing, they gain real-world skills while making a positive impact on their community.

Not only does the Warrior Village Project provide valuable trade skills training and a confidence-building experience for students, but it also helps close the gender gap in the construction industry. By offering training to all interested students, regardless of gender, it provides a much-needed pathway for young women to enter the trades.

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The program also allows students to work with the latest building materials and products, such as stone-coated metal roofing, which is 100 percent donated by Westlake Royal Building Products. The company's experts also volunteer their time to mentor and teach students how to properly install a metal roof on the project homes. Since 2019, Westlake has been involved in about six Warrior Village homes and has impacted nearly 60 students through hands-on training.

For companies like Westlake Royal Building Products, this program not only helps address the labor shortage in the construction industry but also introduces young people to essential components like roofing. Tim Brown, from Westlake Royal Building Products, believes that this exposure can inspire students to consider a career in the trades by showing them alternative options for their future.

"There's a need to show students that there are solid avenues and options available to them," says Brown. "Participating in the Warrior Village Project allows students to get excited about being involved and achieving something significant while directly helping those in need. This can hopefully inspire them to consider a career in the trades by opening their eyes to long-term possibilities."
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