# How a decline in community college students is a big problem for the economy

- Link: https://www.widthness.com/how-a-decline-in-community-college-students-is-a-big-problem-for-the-economy/
- Published: 2021-03-08T09:00:46-06:00
- Author: Curated by Theresa Wysocki

Photo caption: Industry officials fear that an existing shortage of workers in construction and skilled trades will be worsened by a big drop in enrollment at community colleges that help to train them. Credit: Kristine T. Paulsen for The Hechinger Report. Article by Jon Marcus. The Hechinger Report – March 5, 2021. Existing shortages of graduates with badly needed skills are about to get much worse Even as the twin blows of a pandemic and a recession have slowed down the construction industry, B & I Contractors in Fort Myers, Florida, isn’t short of work. It is, however, short of workers. The company, which specializes in commercial buildings, offers enviable benefits — employee stock ownership, in-house training, paid time off, sick days, a 401(k), health insurance that includes dental and vision and, in some cases, a $1,000 signing bonus. Yet it regularly lists around 50 jobs to fill, including for plumbers, electricians, welders, computer-aided design experts and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technicians. […] Click here to view original web page at hechingerreport.org