• Nearly 75% intend to use social media to raise visibility for skilled careers
• More than 50% are interested in creating social content showcasing themselves at work to encourage others to join their trade
• Social stigma and lack of parental support cited as barriers to entering careers in skilled labor
• To help inspire the next generation of tradespeople to enter the trades, DEWALT is encouraging current and future tradespeople to promote their trade on social media utilizing a variety of free downloadable digital banners provided by the Company, using the hashtag #TradeProud on their posts and tag DEWALT.

A recent global survey of young trade professionals found that their strong passion for their trade was significantly influenced by social media despite encountering social stigmas surrounding their career choices. The survey, conducted by DEWALT and WorldSkills International, polled young professionals across 69 countries and regions who are competing at WorldSkills Competition 2024 about their motivations, inspirations, and passions to better understand the new generation entering the skilled trades.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www2.multivu.com/stanley-black-and-decker/9238154-dewalt-worldskills-international-global-survey-of-young-trade-professionals

“At DEWALT, we recognize that the trades are critical contributors to the economy,” said Chris Nelson, Chief Operating Officer at Stanley Black & Decker. “We know that if we want to continue to advocate for these essential career paths, we must understand the next generation’s aspirations, motivations, and challenges. This data will be vital to those efforts, particularly our Grow the Trades program, which funds vocational training and reskilling programs in construction and manufacturing to support the tradespeople of the future.”

According to the survey, young trades professionals still face significant barriers despite their enthusiasm for skilled trades.

• Almost half (42%) identified the persistent social stigma surrounding these professions as a major obstacle, while more than a third (35%) pointed to a lack of parental support.

However, social media is emerging as a powerful tool for changing these perceptions.

• Three-quarters (75%) expressed a desire to use online platforms to raise awareness and visibility for skilled careers, indicating a growing recognition of its potential to inspire others to view skilled trades as a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

The survey results also underscore the deep passion young professionals have for their trades and their eagerness to share this enthusiasm. This drive is further complemented by a strong sense of independence and altruism among younger generations. These findings reveal that the younger generation’s passion for skilled trades is rooted not only in personal fulfillment but also in a broader ambition to contribute meaningfully and drive positive change.

• Almost half (44%) acknowledged social media played a role in inspiring their career choices and more than half of that cohort were inspired by a specific influencer or brand.
• Nearly 70% reported their primary motivation for choosing a specific skill was the desire to work with their hands. Forty-four percent cited the desire to make a positive impact on the global community, while 42% noted a willingness to start their own business.
• Forty-five percent cited the cost-effectiveness of vocational education and training as a top factor in choosing it over college, while 53% cited the earning potential of a skill-based career.

“The findings from our survey highlight that to connect with young people, we need to be innovative and creative on how we present skilled career options,” said David Hoey, CEO, WorldSkills International. “It is essential to create diverse role models young people can relate to, use the power of social media to challenge outdated perceptions, and at every turn demonstrate that skilled careers are exciting, viable, and rewarding.”

About DEWALT’s Grow the Trades Program
DEWALT’s Grow the Trades initiative is a $30 million commitment over five years to close the skilled trades gap in the United States, Mexico and Europe. To date, DEWALT has awarded more than $850,000 in scholarships. To learn more visit: https://www.dewalt.com/growthetrades.