Pella Corp. takes more than a single day to celebrate National Skilled Trades Day; it’s an ongoing conversation at Pella Corporation’s 17 manufacturing facilities across the country.

“Job security at a company where I can grow is what really excited me about joining the tech trades,” said Kate Vos, Pella technical trades apprentice and 2021 high-school graduate. “I also love that I don’t need a four-year degree or to take-on thousands of dollars in student loan debt to get a job that pays well.”

Pella said it used the nationally recognized day, May 4, to recognize the impact of their current workforce while also spreading awareness for the hundreds of open jobs in tech trades, production and operations available across the company.

The company reports that approximately 50% of its skilled trade team members are nearing retirement and that encouraging the next generation to enter these important fields is a critical focus for the business. Pella says relies on key positions like machinists, tool and die operators, and maintenance technicians to maintain the equipment that makes their products, and National Skilled Trades Day is one way they get the word out. It has introduced a placement and development program to help transition team members into technical trades and the company provides the opportunity for training courses for team members wanting to learn about the skilled trades, including education and development classes. The courses are customized to meet Pella’s business needs and are taught by the company’s expert technicians.

“Our programs create a pipeline of qualified technicians and show the next generation how rewarding a career in tech trades can be. Team members in the program gain required certifications so they’re ready to fill an open position and advance when it becomes available,” said Kurtis Webb, Pella’s operations manager.