Steve I live in MA, I am 42 (although I was in trade school by 15) and my experience could not be more different.
IMO the problem you had was in who you worked for.
Now that said I don't see why any teenagers would be interested in going into the trade. It is hard, dirty, cold, hot, wet, icy, windy and at times dangerous. No matter how careful you are working from a ladder is more risky than falling from a desk chair.
They can choose other jobs that pay as much or more and they are in 70 F 55% humidity all year long.
Something will have to change with the trade if it is to attract talented and motivated workers.
