https://wgntv.com/2019/08/01/shortag...tion-projects/
Shortage of skilled laborers affecting Chicago area construction projects
Posted 9:45 PM, August 1, 2019, by Sean Lewis and Stacy Friedman
CHICAGO — The summer remodeling and construction season is in full swing, but there's a problem. The lack plumbers, electricians, carpenters and other skilled laborers is putting a pinch on projects in Chicago — and beyond.
"Frankly, there aren't enough people doing this right now," David Van Osdol with Macpherson Builders said.
Van Osdol has been in the construction business for nearly 20 years. He said staying busy is great, but there's an unusually high level of frustration that comes with the lack of specially trained workers.
"I'm not a spring chicken, but I'm one of the few guys doing this, it seems," he said.
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"They make a lot of money out of the gate. So the difference is in your first five to seven years, you may be outpacing someone with a liberal arts degree; however, it gets to a point that it caps." Gimbel said. "Unless you move into management — more money once you hit 28, 30 and on, and there's more opportunities for promotion and advancement."
Chicago Public Schools recently teamed up with the Department of Buildings to offer a construction training program for high school juniors and seniors. Students who take part will learn carpentry, electricity, welding and general construction. It will include paid work experiences and high school credit.