Framing the Future

How SkillsUSA Massachusetts Schools Are Closing the Trades Gap in Home Construction

Across Massachusetts and the country, a skilled labor shortage makes it difficult for builders to keep up with housing demands. And as those demands go up, so do housing prices.

But in classrooms across the state, educators and students in SkillsUSA Massachusetts programs are working to change that – one measurement, cut and build at a time. At the heart of this movement are educators with deep industry experience who are equipping students not just with tools, but with confidence, professionalism and purpose.

The U.S. construction industry had a near-record 420,000 job openings as of early 2024. In Massachusetts alone, the construction sector is projected to add over 15,000 new jobs in the next half-decade, driven largely by housing demands. Two out of every five construction workers are expected to retire by 2031, making the need for new talent even more critical.

 “The construction industry is facing one of its highest levels of unfilled job openings,” said Emmanuel Botelho, a 14-year tradesman who now heads carpentry and cabinetmaking at Diman Regional Vo-Tech High School in Fall River. “Last year, the non-residential construction industry alone grew by 20%, which has further intensified the talent shortage.”

He guides students through a program to graduate workforce-ready, often with credit toward a union apprenticeship. His students build full-scale homes in the community, learning every stage of construction, from rough framing to custom cabinetry installation.

Christopher Staney, a cabinetmaking and millworking instructor, emphasizes that the shortage of young talent is not just about numbers, it’s about legacy.

“The demand for skilled cabinetmakers is surging, driven by an aging workforce nearing retirement. However, a critical shortage of young talent threatens to leave a significant skill gap,” said Staney, who teaches at his alma mater,  Bay Path Regional Vo-Tech High School in Charlton. “This gap is not merely a number; it represents a loss of expertise, a decline in craftsmanship, and a potential stagnation of the industry.

Staney points to deeper cultural and structural issues: physically demanding work, no remote options and wage structures that don’t always reflect trade’s long-term value. Still, many students are discovering a sense of purpose in this creative, tactile craft. Much like the state and national SkillsUSA organizations, his program draws on advisory boards and industry connections to keep lessons aligned with real-world expectations.

Across the state, more than 7,500 students are enrolled in SkillsUSA Massachusetts construction programs.

A Personal Journey, A Broader Mission

For James Kenney, who teaches residential carpentry at Kingston’s Silver Lake Regional Vo-Tech High School, the path back to the trades was personal. After years in a different field, he found himself back in construction and eventually teaching, inspired by his father, also a vocational educator. Now in his 13th year, Kenney guides students through blueprint reading, framing, roofing and stair construction, combining fundamentals with hands-on projects.

During their first two years, students focus on topics such as accurate measuring, carpentry math concepts, phases of home building and estimating materials. “Those concepts and formulas are reinforced during their junior and senior years, as our students are involved in the hands-on residential construction of a garage, shed, deck, addition or any other project we’re sourced to build,” he said.

Kenney notes local employers are more engaged than ever, eager to connect with students and offering mentorship and on-the-job training. That aligns with national statistics that shows 85% of the nation’s construction firms are struggling to find qualified workers, with many raising wages or increasing benefits to attract talent. Silver Lake RVTHS hosts reverse job fairs and runs mock interviews to prepare students for those opportunities.

The workforce shortage is a benefit for students looking for post-graduate employment, but they still need the skills to succeed on the job. “Hiring contractors are looking for students who are coachable and responsible, which is great for the students because it helps them build their toolbox of skills,” he said.

From the Shop Floor to the Workforce – and Beyond

The students themselves are drawn to the trades for many reasons. Some love working with their hands; others are captivated by the satisfaction of building something real and lasting. And while many start with the basics, their career aspirations often evolve, from hands-on roles to design, project management and entrepreneurship. The broader SkillsUSA curriculum integrates those work-place ready and leadership training alongside the hard-and-fast skills preparation.

“Despite the challenges, a spark of creativity continues to draw students to cabinetmaking,” Staney said. “The prospect of transforming raw materials into tangible creations resonates deeply with many. For some, this trade serves as a stepping stone to related fields such as drafting, architecture, interior design and kitchen design.”

However, that talent gap in construction trades - including plumbing, electricity, HVAC and roofing - has a ripple effect on housing supply and cost. Without enough trained workers, construction slows down, costs rise and fewer homes come to market. 

And having a healthy housing supply is essential to the state’s overall financial health. When there aren’t enough trained workers to meet demand, projects stall, costs rise and economic progress slows. Every community feels that impact.

SkillsUSA Massachusetts’ mission then goes beyond student success to statewide success. As it recruits more individuals into construction fields - and dozens of other trades that serve every resident - the organization is contributing to positive change that includes fewer housing delays, more affordable homes and stronger local economies. And it also empowers viable career pathways for students from every background.

A Renewed Respect for the Trades

All three instructors agree: The solution lies not only in training students but in changing the perception of the trades themselves. For decades, societal pressure pushed young people toward four-year degrees, but that narrative is shifting. 

SkillsUSA Massachusetts is providing students with leadership opportunities, industry-recognized credentials, and competitions that test and showcase their skills in high-pressure, real-world scenarios. The mission goes beyond technical proficiency to foster pride, professionalism and a sense of belonging in skilled trades.

“While these initiatives are not entirely novel, the renewed focus on them is crucial. It’s about dispelling the misconception that success is solely measured by academic achievements and recognizing the inherent value of craftsmanship,” Staney said. “It’s about building a bridge between the generations, ensuring the legacy of skilled trades endures. By fostering a passion for creation and providing the necessary skills and support, we can empower the next generation of tradespeople to fill the gap and build a future where craftsmanship thrives.”