95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

SNN: School Work Gap

schoolnewsnetwork.org

Some 37-million baby boomers will retire in the next decade and its estimated 21-million workers will enter the workforce to replace them. As we hear from the School News Network collaborative efforts are underway in schools to help bridge the talent gap.

When it comes to starting early in career exploration, Kentwood students are hitting the nail on the head – literally. Fifth-graders hammer nails into lumber, learn how to construct walls and assemble pipes at Endeavor Elementary during a STEM event – a lesson in science, technology, engineering and math.

Plumbing, electrical, carpentry and home-building are job fields in the district's STEM program, a pathway to give students a taste of careers in those industries. These hands-on learning events are led by community partners in fields like health care, engineering, and agriculture where STEM jobs are open now.

According to West Michigan Talent Assessment and Outlook, average compensation in energy and construction is $59,000, and growth is expected in many occupations within those industries. A significant number of those jobs are now filled by baby boomers who will soon retire. 

While Endeavor Elementary fifth-graders are learning to fit pipes together, they may also be constructing a possible future.

Erin Albanese and Joy Walczak for School News Network