It is well documented that there is a dire need for skilled trade workers- Why is there a shortage of these workers? Right now, 53% of skilled trades workers are over the age of 45. Furthermore, very few keep working after the age of 65--far fewer than in other occupations. At present, high schools focus almost entirely on preparing students for academic studies at 4-year universities Many even claim that this is the result of elitism--that academics hold vocational trades in disdain Quntin kidd, at CNU, says that perception of prestige is pretty dramatic and that people want their children to be doctors or lawyers but not HVAC and other technicians. Anne Lassere is an example of a skilled trade worker who despite a collegiate prep in high school, decided on a career in carpentry.