Across the region—and the country—employers in the skilled trades are struggling to find enough electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other workers to fill open positions. For every five tradespeople leaving the workforce, only two are entering to replace them, according to data cited by Peter Riffel, director of small business and workforce development at the Westchester Library System (WLS).
“That statistic really grabbed me,” Riffel says. “Nationally, there’s a talent gap in the skilled trades, and that absolutely overlays here in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.”
The New York State Department of Labor projects that demand for many skilled trade roles will grow by an average of more than 20 percent between 2020 and 2030. Those jobs are central to the region’s future, Riffel says.
“You start looking at the priorities across the region: infrastructure, housing, transportation,” he says. “A skilled workforce and skilled trades folks are the ones who are going to build and maintain those projects. If we don’t have enough people to do those roles, it puts those economic priorities at risk.”
A Library-Led Answer: BlueCareer
In response, the WLS launched BlueCareer, a digital tool designed to spark interest in the trades and guide people toward careers in the field. Accessible through the WLS website and some member library sites, BlueCareer is free to use and available 24/7 to anyone in the county, no library card required.
Riffel describes it as a way to tackle not just the shortage of workers, but also a shortage of communication about the opportunities that exist.
“We have a challenge of raising awareness that skilled trades careers are not only available, but that they should be considered as a first choice,” he says. “BlueCareer is really there to help close that gap at the early stages of the career development cycle, raising curiosity and interest.”
The platform includes information on more than 100 skilled trade jobs across 15 industries, from construction and energy to hospitality and culinary. In construction alone, users can explore roles ranging from entry-level positions like asphalt layer and forklift operator to more traditional trades such as carpentry, HVAC, painting, and roofing. In the energy sector, jobs include boiler technician, electrician, electrical lineman, surveyor, and wind turbine technician.
Riffel, who comes from a human resources background rather than librarianship, says he wishes a resource like this had existed when he was hiring.
“It was very difficult,” he says. “I spent a good portion of my career seeking and hiring skilled trades, and I wish I had a tool like this. It would have been one more way to strike up interest and connect with potential workers.”
Three Ways Into the Trades
BlueCareer is organized into three main portals that walk users from exploration to potential job placement.
The first is a career assessment with about 30 questions aimed at people who know they might be interested in something hands-on, but don’t know where to start. Based on their strengths and interests, the tool suggests several types of jobs to consider.
“You may look at those jobs and say, ‘I’m not really interested,’” Riffel says. “But it gets you started. It gives you a direction.”
The second portal allows for a deep dive into specific jobs and industries. Users can browse by sector and then click into individual roles. Each job profile includes parts you’d expect, like a job description, required skills and qualifications, and typical pay ranges, but also other helpful tools like “day in the life” videos, offering a real-world look at the work, and possible training pathways.
The third component, BlueRecruit, functions like an entry-level job board embedded within the platform. Once users are ready, they can create a profile that is shared with participating employers, which doesn’t require a resume.
“It’s kind of like a dating app,” Riffel says. “Employers can see your profile, say they want to talk with you, and then you’re notified. The conversations go from there.”
A Launchpad for Entrepreneurship
While BlueCareer is aimed at people at various stages, from high school students and recent graduates to adults considering a career change, Riffel is quick to point out that trade work can also be a launchpad for entrepreneurship.
“Many individuals who go into a skilled trade end up starting their own business,” he says. “And when that happens, the library is there for them too.”
In tandem with BlueCareer, the WLS launched “Small Business Resources @ Library,” a website dedicated to empowering small businesses. The site walks users through starting and growing a business, from market research and building a business plan to finding coaching, mentoring, and support organizations throughout Westchester.
“A lot of times, as a small business, you feel like you’re on your own,” Riffel says. “You’re not. There are a lot of resources out there, and we help people find them. What does it come down to? Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. This is about connecting people to livable wages and supporting the economic infrastructure of our communities. The library is here to make those connections.”
Next Steps
Interested in the trades? Take your assessment, search trade roles, and find your next job by using BlueCareer via the WLS website.
Related: A Dutchess County Truck Driver Shares Her Career Story
