Introducing young people to careers in the skilled trades

By Evan Dawson,

Published May 16, 2023 at 2:33 PM EDT

(foreground) Lindsie Cook and Jared Radesi, and (background) Tony DiTucci and Kim Gaylord on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, May 16, 2023

A smiling man with short dark hair wearing a blue button-down shirt and a grey blazer. He is holding a pair of eyeglasses. The word "Connections" appears on the left side of the photo in vertical letters.

The number of workers in the skilled trades in the U.S. is not keeping up with demand. The pandemic led to a greater need for skilled tradespeople, as more Americans invested in house projects. What can be done to introduce the skilled trades to more job seekers? And how can it be better discussed as a career option for young people?

Camp Hard Hat is a local camp that gives kids aged 12 to 15 opportunities to learn about careers in the trades. We discuss the camp’s work and the state of the industry with our guests:

Jared Radesi, founding member of Camp Hard Hat, and former carpentry teacher at Genesee Valley BOCES
Lindsie Cook, Camp Hard Hat member who is currently attending the Building Trades program at Genesee Valley BOCES
Kim Gaylord, president of the Builders Exchange of Rochester
Tony DiTucci, president of Livingston Associates
Avery Dueppengiesser, former camper at Camp Hard Hat