Klein Tools “State of the Industry”: More Experienced Electricians Leaving the Field

Klein Tools, Lincolnshire, IL, reported on its annual “State of the Industry” survey, with input from more than 600 union and non-union electricians. Survey results suggest that electricians are still concerned about the skills gap in the electrical industry and have seen more experienced electricians leaving the field. Many skilled electricians cite physical demands and insufficient continuing education opportunities as reasons they have pursued other careers.

Results showed that the majority of electricians, 56%, have noticed more electricians leaving the field over the past few years, compared to 44% in 2015. Forty percent of electricians are concerned that not enough qualified workers will be available over the next five to 10 years.

“It’s concerning that electricians are seeing fewer experienced skilled workers on job sites,” says Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools. “As part of the solution to this problem, we need to continue to educate the younger generation on the many benefits a skilled trade job offers, including job flexibility, potentially high wages and the opportunity for creativity and pride of ownership. It’s also essential that we continue to advocate for more technical and vocational academic programming to increase student engagement and give students the opportunities to explore careers in the trades.

More than 600 union and non-union electricians were surveyed for the Klein Tools “State of the Industry” survey by Russell Research, an independent survey research firm. Russell Research conducted 201 online interviews from Jan. 20-26, 2015; 200 online interviews from Jan. 27-Feb. 5, 2016; and 200 online interviews from Jan. 10-18, 2017, to secure a nationally significant representation. In the mix of respondents, 40% were union members and 60% were not.