Something will have to change with the trade if it is to attract talented and motivated workers.
Bob, the answer is simple. Money. We need to stop dragging knuckles and charge more money. We need to pay more money. Why would someone with any education at all want to enter this field at $30k/yr with hopes of working up to $70k in 10 yrs, when they can get a job in an office and start at $45k and be making $90 in 5 yrs. with less work?
There will always be a few who are drawn to the trades because that's what they love. But the rest, we need to buy into the trades.
