By Jaden Robison, Host of the Blue Collar Future Podcast
In today’s fast-paced world, where the focus is often on white-collar jobs and technological advancements, the importance of blue-collar work is often overlooked. However, it is the trades that have built and continue to sustain our society. From construction to welding, these skilled workers are the backbone of our economy. In this article, we will explore the themes discussed in a recent interview with Tyler Sassy, the founder of Western Welding Academy, and delve into the significance of blue-collar work in building a better generation.
The Absence of Work Ethic, Accountability, and Integrity in the Youth
Tyler Sasse and his team at Western Welding Academy recognized a significant absence of work ethic, accountability, and integrity in the youth. They believe that these qualities are essential for building a better generation. Sassy explains, “We focus our efforts on teaching work ethic, accountability, and integrity. We’re building a better generation and having fun at it every day.”
This absence of these qualities can be attributed, in part, to the changing dynamics of the family unit and the emphasis on academic success over practical skills. Sassy highlights the importance of a strong family unit, stating, “If you go back through the history of America and you look at a family unit, which is a strong father, a strong mother, they can collectively together build some pretty strong children.”
The Impending Gap in the Blue Collar Workforce
One of the biggest challenges facing the blue-collar industry is the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation. Sassy explains, “2023 is the peak year that the baby boomers turn 65. So what does that mean? It means that we’re about to face this massive gap in the amount of people that are doing that blue-collar work.”
This gap in the workforce poses a significant threat to the overall health of the economy, particularly in industries such as construction and manufacturing. Sassy emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue, stating, “We really need to take the time to invest in our youth because… one of the biggest national security threats that our country faces comes to building military bases… we need to build a strong youth to ensure our future prosperity.”
The Misconceptions Surrounding Blue Collar Work
One of the biggest challenges in promoting blue-collar work is the misconceptions surrounding it. Society often glorifies white-collar jobs and looks down upon trade work. Sassy acknowledges this issue, stating, “For three generations, we’ve been telling our kids that if you don’t go to college, you’re going to be nothing… We need to break through that.”
These misconceptions are perpetuated by the emphasis on academic success and the belief that trade work is somehow inferior. Sassy challenges this notion, stating, “Put the phone down, put the Xbox down, go build something. You will reach heights that you didn’t dream possible… You will love every minute of it.”
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Blue Collar Work
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) poses both challenges and opportunities for the blue-collar industry. While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it cannot replace the skills and expertise of skilled tradespeople. Sassy explains, “There’s a bunch of companies out there trying to build these robots, but you still have to have a welder right there setting it up… It’s not cost-effective.”
Sassy emphasizes the importance of human skills and adaptability in the face of AI advancements. He states, “We make a ton of money… We get to build America, and we get to go to some really cool places… I loved every minute of my career as a welder, and I honestly wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”
The Need for Purpose and Engagement
One of the underlying themes throughout the interview is the need for purpose and engagement in work. Sassy highlights the importance of hands-on work and the sense of accomplishment that comes with building something. He states, “We need to be warriors… We all need to know that we’re having an impact and we’re making a difference.”
The ease and convenience of modern technology have led to a lack of purpose and engagement in many individuals’ lives. Sassy encourages young people to pursue trades and find fulfillment in hands-on work, stating, “Put the phone down, put the Xbox down, get off the couch, go out there and chase your dreams, and you will never regret it.”
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the interview with Tyler Sasse sheds light on the importance of blue-collar work in building a better generation. The absence of work ethic, accountability, and integrity in the youth, coupled with the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation, poses significant challenges for the blue-collar industry. However, by challenging misconceptions and promoting the value of hands-on work, we can inspire young people to pursue trades and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our society.
As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to recognize the irreplaceable skills and expertise of skilled tradespeople. While automation may streamline certain tasks, it cannot replicate the human touch and adaptability required in many blue-collar professions.
Moving forward, it is essential to prioritize purpose and engagement in work. By encouraging young people to pursue trades and find fulfillment in hands-on work, we can build a better generation that is equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
The future of the blue-collar industry lies in the hands of the youth. By investing in their training and development, we can ensure a strong and prosperous future for our economy and society as a whole. It is time to recognize the value of blue-collar work and build a better generation of skilled tradespeople.
You can find Tyler on instagram @realtylersasse and Western Welding Acadamy on instagram @westernweldingacademy. Their website is www.westernweldingacademy.com
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01:18 introduction
02:01 WWA founded to instill work ethic, accountability, and integrity in youth for a better generation.
03:04 A strong youth leads to a strong country.
03:58 Physical requirements are nothing now compared to what they used to be
05:17 Mind, body and spirit are connected. If you are strong physically it will translate mentally
06:16 The youth is the future, and this country was built on blue collar work
07:47 Baby boomers are turning 65 this year, and are a huge part of the blue collar work force
10:11 Children have been told to go to college for years now. The case for blue collar work falls on deaf ears with the response of “my kids are going to go to college”
12:04 AI is getting smarter, but won’t replace skilled tradesmen
13:00 Trade work is not glamourized, or seen as viable even with the amount of money to be made.
17:45 Have you seen any AI coming into welding?
18:06 Advice for a fabrication shop owner on newer tech and AI
21:24 A workforce that is actually involved is healthier for them and your business
22:35 Humans want to be needed and engaged in what they’re doing
23:32 Technology may actually be doing more harm than good now, humans need to have a purpose
25:30 People fixated on the “dream job” but miss the point. Its about having a purpose
26:53 Kids nowadays have a push to go to college, and thats damaging to the ones that don’t want to.
29:47 Jaden’s story
31:38 World is built out of concrete, super high demand for concrete finishers, good money and isn’t that hard to finish concrete
34:38 Concrete has a low barrier to entry, but a lot of variables that make it challenging
36:21 How did Tyler handle working so much?
37:47 A lot of mental illness stems from being glued to social media and screens. Put the phone down and go build something.
39:05 Tyler’s closing advice
40:01 Where you can find Tyler.