Lauren Wood, Author at The Hourglass Foundation

Can Women Succeed in Skilled Trades Jobs? Absolutely. And the Future is Wide Open.
Can Women Succeed in Skilled Trades Jobs? Absolutely. And the Future is Wide Open.

Can Women Succeed in Skilled Trades Jobs? Absolutely. And the Future is Wide Open.

Intro: For years, skilled trades careers such as construction, automotive technology, welding, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work have been perceived as male-centric professions. That narrative is changing. With technician shortages, a retiring workforce, and expensive college tuition accompanied by high student loan debt, more women are recognizing the benefits of working in skilled trades. These careers offer shorter training, competitive salaries, and job security without the weight of debt associated with a college degree. Can women succeed in skilled [...]

The Technician Shortage Crisis: Causes, Consumer Impact, and Solutions for the Future
The Technician Shortage Crisis: Causes, Consumer Impact, and Solutions for the Future

The Technician Shortage Crisis: Causes, Consumer Impact, and Solutions for the Future

Car maintenance and repairs are common, sometimes tedious chores that most Americans have to deal with. Yet routine repairs that once inconvenienced you for a weekend now may take a week! Also, fleet vehicles wait patiently for maintenance while repair costs continue to rise. Regardless of where you live, these delays and higher prices have one common denominator: an ever-growing shortage of qualified technicians. You may not be familiar with the technician shortage phenomenon, but you might have experienced [...]

Trade School vs. College: Pros, Cons, Costs & Career Outcomes
Trade School vs. College: Pros, Cons, Costs & Career Outcomes

Trade School vs. College: Pros, Cons, Costs & Career Outcomes

Soaring college tuition and student debt, along with fears of AI replacing entry-level jobs, are causing this generation to reconsider their career goals. The data support these fears and have led many young people to ask, “Should I consider trade school instead of a 4-year college degree?” To answer this question, The Hourglass Foundation provides a list of pros and cons of Trade School vs. College to help you decide the right path for you. Fortune Magazine reports that [...]