Getting Real with Skilled Trades

Recent high school graduate Luke Butina wants to be an electrician. He joined United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Labor team at their Youth Skilled Trades Education (YSE) Day, designed for ages 13 – 19 to get a real feel for the skilled trades environment.

“My dad is an electrician, and I came out to get some more knowledge,” said Luke. “It’s good money and AI can’t take it over— at least for a while.”

Luke isn’t alone, a 2025 poll found that 71% of Americans are concerned AI will put too many people permanently out of work. Skilled trade professions proved more resistant in the face of outsourcing and automation.

“Right now is the best time to get into trades; my local is at 100% employment,” said Julius Draughan from Plumbers Local 98. “That means; there is nobody in need of a job at my union, and they actually need more people than what they have.”

During the morning session, several speakers shared advice on a range of in-demand professions including: DTE Field Service Representative, Electrician, Gas Technician, High Voltage Overhead Lines, HVAC, Plumber and Underground Linemen.

After a lunch networking break, students explored several DTE service vehicles and tools outside of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 223.

MONEY TALKS

United Way’s Labor team shared information on ALICE (Activos limitados, ingresos restringidos, empleada) to expose the true cost of living in southeastern Michigan.

Students learned that having a full-time job does not guarantee that you can afford all your basic needs. Many expressed shock that it costs over $90,000 annually to support a family of four.

“We call it a ‘no-frills’ budget because you’re not getting any extra— no movies, no fresh sneakers and no trips to Disney World,” said Alicia Dennis, director of Labor Relations at United Way. “You’d need at least $90,000 and a lot of jobs are not paying that— you better believe, they are not.”

Alicia opened up to the students about what it feels like to live below the ALICE budget threshold and how skilled trades can help them out of that position.

“As a kid, we got the gas turned off in the middle of winter and for six weeks I had to sleep in the same bed as my mom and brother,” said Alicia. “Skilled Trades can get you out of a bad situation; it’s a path from survival to stability.”

Skilled trades remain a lucrative option for ALICE families that cannot afford college tuition. In the fourth year of his apprenticeship, Underground Lineman John Griffin shared how quickly you go from learning to earning in trades.

“You get paid to learn; you don’t go anywhere to pay to learn,” said John. “It’s a four-year program and I made $230,000 in my first year.”

START TODAY

Today, there are plenty of opportunities to break into a skilled trades career. GAS Chairman of UWUA Local 223 Ignatius Brennan gave students clear directions to start.

“I want everyone here to get MAD; motivated and determined,” said Ignatius. “If you want to get a job here, there is a requirement to be drug-free, even if it is legal.

“Just put it down and start today— every second that goes by is an opportunity to start over.”

John pointed out some other steps students can take to familiarize themselves with trades while waiting to apply for an apprenticeship.

“Get some mechanical skills, learn your tools and how to work with your hands,” said John. “If you drive a car, learn how to change your breaks.”

If students aren’t mechanically savvy, there is no reason to be afraid of learning a skilled trade. Underground Lineman Akil Williamson shared that he started with minimal experience.

“When I started, I only knew how to change a lightbulb and how to change batteries in a remote,” said Akil. “Everything is hard work, but what comes with that?

“Ask yourself: ‘What industry can I do that hard work in, and it’ll help me in the future?’”

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