Scott Galloway has been bringing up this same issue recently. The trades, electricians, plumbers, carpenters started fading in popularity in early to late 80's. I learned my trade in the USAF. I was a corrosion control specialist. We would inspect the aircraft for corrosion and order the appropriate corrective action. Over simplifying it, we were the autobody guys of the AF. Although CE handled all the vehicles on base. We took care of the aircraft and the support equipment. When I got out in 85 I started painting cars. From that time on it got harder and harder to find workers. Tech schools were closing. It was not pleasant work. Seeing a repaired car with shiny new paint was rewarding. I left the auto body field after the insurance became too involved. I worked harder and made less. I got involved with my local fire department. I went to school to become a paramedic. Staffing is challenging in this field as well. In many ways I found autobody to be more rewarding. I used my hands to fix something. I saw it come in wrecked and I watched it leave shiny and, almost, new.

I sort of got off on a tangent. I realize that the trades aren't just a male work force. Part of me is asking, when and why did this start happening.