Across the United States, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is seeing enthusiasm for the skilled trades gain momentum — with governments increasingly focused on investing in career and technical education and on establishing new training initiatives. PMI has also witnessed a positive shift in how students and parents view careers in the trades, as they focus on the benefits of good pay, job security and generally lower educational costs.

Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is particularly interested in skilled-trades careers — hands-on roles that require specialized technical expertise in industries such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC and carpentry. 

The data backs this up. Nearly one in four new hires in the skilled trades are aged 18 to 28, despite making up only 14% of the workforce, reports Gusto, which analyzed its own payroll data combined with Bureau of Labor Statistics figures. Gen Zers generally find these jobs attractive, citing advantages such as the minimal risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence and the avoidance of student loan debt that sometimes results from earning a four-year college degree.

In the United States, skilled trade workers — including electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, machinists, welders, carpenters, millwrights and more — are in high demand due to an aging workforce and increased investment in infrastructure. 

While vocational school enrollment has increased by 16% since 2020, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, some are turning away students because they’re at capacity. 

One PMI member company working with Pennsylvania’s vocational school administrator reported that the state’s vocational schools hit capacity in 2025 and could no longer accept new students. In Northampton, Massachusetts, Smith Vocational and Agricultural School recently told local news outlets that it typically receives more than 300 applications for its 150-member freshman class, resulting in an extensive waitlist. 

These examples are not unique, which is why PMI and its members are building advocacy efforts, partnerships and policy engagement to ensure that those who wish to pursue careers in the skilled trades can do so.

The high cost of shortages

The United States faces a shortage of more than 500,000 plumbers, costing the economy roughly $38 billion annually by driving up builder costs and delaying critical construction projects, according to a study commissioned by PMI member LIXIL.

The ripple effects extend far beyond jobsites. Housing affordability, infrastructure development and commercial expansion all hinge on the availability of skilled labor. When there aren’t enough trained professionals to install plumbing systems or complete construction projects, the entire economy feels the strain.

Manufacturers are feeling the squeeze, too. As many as 3.8 million additional employees could be needed in manufacturing between 2024 and 2033, according to the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte’s most recent report, “Taking Charge: Manufacturers Support Growth with Active Workforce Strategies.” 

The report notes that construction spending in manufacturing to build new or expand existing facilities nearly tripled since June 2020 and rose 37% year over year in January 2024, reaching a record high of $225 billion.

A notable economic engine

The plumbing manufacturing sector and plumbing trades are foundational pillars of economic growth. 

PMI’s recent economic impact study reveals that plumbing fixtures and fittings manufacturers contribute $54.4 billion to the U.S. economy in direct economic output annually, supporting more than 208,000 jobs and generating $14.3 billion in wages. When combined with the broader plumbing industry, those figures climb dramatically to $172.9 billion in direct economic output, nearly 756,000 jobs and $61 billion in wages.

Zoom out further, and the total economic impact, including supply chains and employee spending, reaches $442.5 billion, supporting 1.7 million jobs and $142.1 billion in wages.

Investing in the skilled trades isn’t just good workforce policy; it’s an economic imperative.

Advocacy connects the dots

PMI understands that continued progress requires coordination across industry, education, government and labor. 

The association has built relationships with governors, legislators and workforce development teams across the country, ensuring decision-makers understand both the urgency of the issue and the value of investing in solutions. These conversations often focus on practical steps such as increasing funding for vocational and technical education, strengthening community college programs and expanding registered apprenticeships.

At the federal level, PMI supports the Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural and Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools (CONSTRUCTS) Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to expand access to training programs, rebuild vocational education infrastructure and create clearer pathways into high-demand careers. 

Industry helps to fill the gap

PMI members play a crucial role in developing the next generation of talent.

Many plumbing manufacturing companies have launched co-op and internship programs to provide students with real-world experience and a direct pathway into full-time employment. Others open their facilities to students and educators, offering a firsthand look at modern manufacturing environments and the career opportunities they offer.

By showcasing advanced technologies, innovation and career growth potential, these initiatives help address immediate hiring needs while providing positive insights into the industry.

States step up investments

States have been amplifying investments in workforce development, often with a focus on modernizing technical education. Funding is being directed toward high schools, community colleges and training centers to ensure students have access to hands-on learning opportunities that lead directly to employment.

Some states have taken innovative approaches. For example, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission launched a new Talent Accelerator project earlier this year, through which employers can write off up to 80% of their training costs in advanced manufacturing and other fields — with support from almost $6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. A public-private partnership, the accelerator initiative supports employer-driven workforce training, helping to bridge the gap between training and job placement.

Maryland has highlighted its Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act as a key tool for expanding registered apprenticeships, while Massachusetts has continued to invest in its Workforce Training Fund Program to upskill workers and meet evolving industry demands. Meanwhile, Utah has developed pathways to help internationally trained journeyman plumbers achieve licensure.

These efforts share a common thread, recognizing that workforce development isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tailored solutions, developed with employer input and support from state governments, are essential to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers.

Expanding access and opportunities

A key focus for PMI is to ensure that opportunities in the trades are accessible to a diverse range of individuals. This includes young people exploring career options, women entering traditionally male-dominated fields and workers seeking to reskill or upskill.

One notable policy win has been securing support for legislation that would allow 529 education savings accounts to cover certification exams and credential maintenance. The legislation also expands learning opportunities for plumbers, the primary workforce responsible for installing plumbing fixtures and fittings.

This change reflects a broader shift in how education is defined — recognizing that a traditional four-year degree isn’t the only pathway to career success and fulfillment. 

Collaboration provides a way forward

Workforce shortages in plumbing, manufacturing and construction represent interconnected challenges that demand coordinated solutions. Ultimately, PMI encourages educators to align curricula with industry needs, governments to fund skilled trades training and remove barriers to participation, and industry to invest in its own training programs.

PMI will continue to seek ways to connect these stakeholders to drive progress. Through legislative forums and fly-ins, ongoing dialogue with state governors and policymakers and collaboration with other industry stakeholders, the association aims to ensure the conversation around skilled trades remains active — and action-oriented. 

Matthew Windrum is the director of state government affairs, policy and advocacy of Plumbing Manufacturers International. He has spent more than 15 years working in state government affairs and public policy. Contact him at [email protected].