(BPT) - Did you know there is an urgent need for nearly 800,000 skilled technicians to enter the American workforce by 2027 in order to meet demand? This pressing shortage has proven challenging to remedy, particularly due to the underrepresentation of diverse groups in skilled trades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that women are particularly underrepresented, accounting for less than 3% of employed technicians.
At the same time, students across the U.S. are questioning the value of a traditional four-year college education, fueling a 16% surge in enrollment for vocational training programs in the last year alone. Young Americans are exploring alternative career paths more than ever, yet the significant gender gap in automotive, diesel, collision repair, aviation and avionics fields - to name a few - remains.
The evidence shows that trade industries are at a crossroads. Luckily, a recent survey by California winery Rebellious Wines revealed that most Americans (55%) believe in breaking gender norms through their career choices, suggesting an exciting solution.
Rebellious Wines, in partnership with TechForce Foundation, has taken decisive action to empower a diverse workforce while also helping to fill the urgent skills gap, by creating the Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program. This new scholarship aims to inspire individuals from all backgrounds to pursue successful careers in the skilled trades and provides more than financial aid; it opens doors for underrepresented students by empowering them to thrive in rewarding and essential careers.
"This scholarship champions the spirit of rebelling for good by empowering students from underrepresented populations to pursue careers in non-traditional fields," said Bob DeRoose, president and CEO of Kobrand Corporation, the parent company of Rebellious Wines. "We're committed to breaking barriers that have kept many people out of these lucrative careers. Their drive and determination will ultimately bridge the skills gap in today's labor market, proving that the future of these industries will be both inclusive and rebellious."
The Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program is accepting applications now through August 2024. Scholarships will be available for eligible students enrolled in any post-secondary technician program across the U.S.
To learn more about how you or students in your communities can become trailblazers and pursue these vital career paths, visit RebelliousWine.com/rebelliousriveters.