Polk County Teens Gear Up for Future at Summer Trades Academy

Polk County, Florida, USA - In the heart of Polk County, Florida, a transformative initiative is reshaping the future of local teens. The Summer Trades Academy, organized by the Lakeland Police Department, offers students a unique opportunity to dive into the world of skilled trades, which are in high demand. This hands-on camp, welcoming 50 enthusiastic participants, teaches vital skills in plumbing, carpentry, welding, and roofing. It’s a welcomed shift for many young people, including 17-year-old Teah Howey, who adjusted her career aspirations from physical therapy to trade learning amid the uphill battle presented by traditional college expenses. As echoed by ABC Action News, Howey’s story is part of a larger trend where youths are exploring the opportunities that trades offer.

The free camp not only equips students with practical, sought-after skills but also emphasizes community connection. Lt. Joe Parker, a carpenter by trade and organizer of the camp, acknowledges the dual purpose of the academy: to build a competent local workforce while fostering positive interactions between teens and law enforcement. It’s heartening to witness a program that transcends traditional summer fun, offering students a pathway to future employment, particularly in jobs that promise decent wages, ranging from $15 to $20 an hour for plumbing roles alone.

The Demand for Trades Skills

The growing interest in trade skills is no coincidence. Recent statistics reveal that public trade school enrollment has surged by nearly 12% this year, as documented by Trade Schools. Young people are increasingly recognizing the potential for fulfilling, reliable careers that trades can offer—careers that often come with good pay. From electricians to heavy equipment operators, skilled trades feature a variety of roles that suit diverse interests and capabilities. Notably, the fastest-growing trades for 2025 include wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers, underpinning a shift toward renewable energy and sustainability.

This trend is further supported by insights from McKinsey, emphasizing that the US labor market is facing immense pressure, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors. Disruptions caused by COVID-19 have created a labor scarcity that is forcing companies to increase wages significantly. In fact, since early 2020, average wages in these fields have jumped by over 20%—a trend likely to continue as demand outpaces supply.

As the nation grapples with a substantial loss of skilled labor, exacerbated by an aging workforce and insufficient youth entering trades, initiatives like the Summer Trades Academy become all the more crucial. According to projections, the demand for skilled labor is set to remain high, fueled by infrastructure needs and a pending wave of retirements among experienced workers. With the construction sector alone reporting approximately 374,000 job vacancies, as of December 2023, it’s clear that these camps are planting vital seeds for the future.

But what about the stigma often associated with vocational training? Alarmingly, a survey noted that 74% of young individuals perceive such education as less desirable compared to traditional university paths. This perception poses a cultural barrier that advocates for skilled trades must work to dismantle. It’s essential to highlight the countless opportunities that come with hands-on experience in high-demand fields—something Teah Howey is chasing eagerly, eyeing an internship with an eager employer post-camp.

As we look to the future, it’s imperative that we give credit where credit is due. Programs like the Summer Trades Academy are crucial in addressing the skills gap and preparing the next generation for opportunities that are both lucrative and essential. With heightened collaboration between educators, employers, and government entities, and increased investment in talent retention strategies, we may finally turn the tide on this critical workforce challenge. After all, there’s something to be said for building not just structures, but also the foundations of a thriving community.