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As the inventory of existing buildings continues to grow in the U.S., leaders in the historic preservation community are sounding the alarm that the construction industry is in dire need of workers with historic trades training. Recent studies suggest that thousands of trade people with training in historic trades—such as masons, plasterers and carpenters—will need to enter the workforce each year to keep up with demand. In response, advocates are pushing to expand training opportunities and create registered apprenticeships in the historic trades that are recognized nationwide.
Last year, the American Institute of Architects reported that billings for rehabilitation work exceeded new construction for the first time in 20 years of tracking. Historic trades make up an estimated 12.6% of all building rehabilitation projects, according to an analysis released in November 2022 by The Campaign for Historic Trades. More than 40% of all U.S. buildings were built at least 50 years ago, making them potentially eligible for historic designation, according to the report. An additional 13.3 million buildings could reach the 50-year mark in the next decade.