To help address the critical shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, while helping Scouts fulfill merit badge requirements in these areas, the Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America, has embarked on the creation of a new Skilled Trades program at Boxwell Reservation.  The program will be housed in a new Skilled Trades Center equipped with service bays and classroom space. Scouts, ages 13 and older, will learn from professionals in each field while discovering lifelong hobbies or career paths.

 

Program Areas and Related Merit Badges

American Business * American Labor * Architecture * Automotive maintenance  * Electricity * Home repairs * Painting * Plumbing * Welding

 

Why a focus on Skilled Trades?

• According to National Electrical Contractors Association, a severe shortage of skilled trades workers exists in the U.S., with 6,000 electricians joining the field each year, but 10,000 retiring. As job openings continue to increase without new laborers to fill them, every element of home services will be impacted: wait times, work quality and cost. This situation is not unique to electrical work, it can be seen across all skilled trades fields.

 

How did this happen?

• The focus on attending college as the only path to success has become common place. Many schools have stopped offering shop classes or mechanical classes, which were usually the first exposure a student had to the type of hands-on experience that could spark an interest in the trades.

 

How will a Skilled Trades program at Boxwell help?

• It will address the need for skilled trades workers by giving 930+ youth hands-on training over the course of summer camp.

• Technical careers demand leadership skills, collaborative teamwork, productivity, and problem solving in a complex and challenging environment.  Youth participation in the Skilled Trades program will put them on track to excel in these areas.

• Youth will benefit from the mentorship of professionals working in the skilled trades.

 

How can you help?

• Consider making an outright gift or a gift-in-kind to help complete the building of the Center, including equipment and supplies needed for each merit badge area.

 

For more information contact Larry Brown, Scout Executive, at 615-383-9701 or lbrown@mtcbsa.org.

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