Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. tradespeople
    • ex. Local tradespeople helped repair homes after the storm.
  2. workforce
    • ex. Many factories reduced their workforce during the crisis.
  3. revamp
    • ex. The restaurant revamped its menu to attract more customers.
  4. a welder
    • ex. The factory hired skilled welders to build the new machines.
  5. evolve
    • ex. Languages evolve over time, with new words and expressions.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Skilled tradespeople are becoming hard to find in the United States. Therefore, Walmart is working to strengthen its workforce. The company revamped its training program in 2024 to train more maintenance technicians. These workers repair machines and fix electrical problems. Walmart says fewer people are applying for these jobs.

The shortage has created new chances for workers like Liz Cardenas in Texas. She started at Walmart as an equipment operator. But after completing training, her pay nearly doubled, and she now repairs machines too. According to a study, the shortage in jobs such as welders and carpenters will further increase by 2032.

As jobs and skills continue to evolve, other companies are taking action. In June, Business Roundtable, a business group, launched a new program to address worker shortages, including maintenance technicians. In 2022, the company Lowe’s started a 90-day online training program for employees who want to work as carpenters and maintenance technicians. It is also working with schools to promote trade careers. However, Mervin Jebaraj from the University of Arkansas noted these programs will decrease the shortages, but they won’t eliminate the problem.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Tradespeople

  • Walmart says fewer people are applying for skilled trade jobs. Why do you think fewer people are applying for these jobs? Discuss.
  • What do you think can happen if fewer and fewer people apply for skilled trade jobs? Discuss.
  • If you were given the chance to become a skilled tradesperson, what kind of skilled trade job would you want to have? Why? Discuss.

Worker Shortage and Training Programs

  • Mervin Jebaraj noted that training programs will decrease the shortages, but they won’t eliminate the problem. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • According to a study, the shortage in jobs such as welders and carpenters will further increase by 2032. Aside from providing training programs, what else can be done about this? Discuss.
  • As jobs and skills continue to evolve, other companies are taking action by giving training to their employees. What do you think about such companies (ex. I admire them)? Discuss.