Addressing MEP Labor Shortages and Methods to Attract Young Adults into The Trades

The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) fields require a large skilled workforce. In recent years, companies have experienced shortages of skilled employees. These shortages arise from many causes, a root cause identified is the decrease of young adults pursuing MEP careers. This project focuses on the reasons young adults are reluctant to enter these careers, such as misconceptions or lack of knowledge on MEP careers. A pool of twelve MEP companies was surveyed regarding their experiences with the causes of labor shortages and the short-term mitigation methods used. They were also asked about their perspective on the lack of young adults in their industry and the importance of attracting young talent. The responses indicated how crucial it is to attract young adults to the MEP fields, and that an efficient way to do so is by informing them on what they are and their associated benefits. In response to the survey outcome, a brochure and PowerPoint were developed. They will be presented in high schools for the purpose of informing students about the MEP industries. Through the PowerPoint and brochure, students in high school can learn about the MEP fields, potentially sparking interest to pursue a career in these trades