Shortage of Kansas trade workers calls for increased recruiting efforts

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Many trade jobs in Kansas are seeing a shortage of workers, which is why one local group is working to recruit more young people to the industry.

This week, the Topeka Area Building Association held a career day for high schoolers in the area. At the event, they had construction, plumbing and all other trade jobs for the kids to feel out.

A spokeswoman for the association says it’s important to get young people excited about these jobs, especially young women, who have been underrepresented in the industry.

“Girls work harder to prove themselves because so many people think they can’t do it,” CEO of the Topeka Building Association Katy Nelson said. “If you’re a female and you’re out there and you don’t think you can do it, anybody can do the work and most of the companies out there will train you.”

The Building Association is planning to hold another similar event in Salina in the coming weeks.

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