Solving the problem starts with building awareness. By Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO
In a world where technology is rapidly transforming the way we live and work — with so many jobs yet to be invented — the prospect of picking a career can be overwhelming.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association has good news for young people trying to find some direction for life after high school: There are plenty of well-paying jobs available in the skilled home-building arena, specifically in kitchen and bath design and remodeling — and they can lead to fulfilling and creative careers. But too often, students in their prime decision-making years aren’t even aware of these opportunities. They may choose post-high-school education or training options not because they are following a passion, but because they don’t know what else to do. It’s a waste of energy and money, and often leads to an unfulfilling career path.
NKBA is striving to build awareness of careers in K&B that capitalize on students’ passion for drawing and art, for working with their hands, mechanical thinking and finding solutions to problems in everyday living situations. There’s a well-documented shortage of skilled talent coming into the workforce to fill the needs of residential design, building and remodeling. Construction employment took a big hit after the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, as 1.5 million individuals retired or otherwise left the industry. While it has recovered somewhat, there are still about 2 million jobs in this area expected to be available by 2020. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for every five people leaving the industry, only one is entering.
Exacerbating the problem: as the number of these workers dwindles, the need grows. The residential kitchen and bath industry generates $150 billion in sales of products alone, excluding design and labor — and this is growing at a rate of about 10% a year. The U.S. residential construction market is valued at about $600 billion, so kitchens and baths account for about a quarter of this crucial segment of the American economy. The business is healthy, and the jobs are there.
So What are We Doing?
NKBA is working to encourage high-school and even middle-school students, their parents and educators to consider career alternatives in K&B design, skilled trades and construction management. And with a shorter post-secondary training process in the design and remodeling arena — incurring a lot less student loan debt — workers in these fields will be on the road to their career and the rest of their lives faster than their four-year college counterparts.
At KBIS, we are joining forces for an event on Feb. 20 with This Old House Ventures’ Generation Next program, now entering its third year, to raise money for the Skilled Labor Fund. (More details will follow in coming weeks.) We’re trying to make the process as seamless as possible, offering attendees an opportunity to donate to SLF when they register. Any amount they choose to contribute is added to their registration fee — it couldn’t be easier. There will also be a Givz app at the show for on-the-spot donations. And 100 percent of these tax-deductible contributions goes to fund scholarships and education programs through the SLF.
Our own editor at large, NKBA Insider Elle H-Millard, CKD, participated in a design competition on behalf of the Skilled Labor Fund in September with two other top New York designers — and she won! The grand prize of $3,000 was donated to SLF, and the competition partners and sponsors included Wood-Mode, NKBA’s Manhattan chapter, Sub-Zero/Wolf/Cove, HG Stones, Rohl, Häfele, TileBar and Amerock.
We’ve also rebranded our own skilled labor initiative, now called “Next Up.” Its first major effort will be at KBIS. We’ve invited a select number of Las Vegas-area high-school students and educators to join us, tour the floor and gain exposure to the industry. They’ll be our guests for lunch and a question-and-answer session, hopefully building awareness of the lucrative, creative opportunities and plentiful jobs available in our dynamic business.
On a related note, the Association has launched Jobs@nkba.org, a matching portal for member and partner companies to list openings and for job-seekers to find the right opportunities that match their skill sets. The Jobs function will also have information on internships, training and mentor programs.
This all works in tandem with our other programs, like Affiliated Schools, student videos on a dedicated YouTube channel, and a specialty credentialing program that represents a particular expertise to the marketplace, which we’ll be introducing at KBIS. It’s a mission that’s bigger than any one voice or organization; That’s why NKBA has partnered with these groups. Our collective goal is to make young people aware of options in this important sector.
Design and remodeling careers are calling. We just have to let young people know where to answer.
