Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. In 2026, the skilled trades are facing a reality check that is impossible to ignore: A significant rift has opened between the priorities of organizational leaders and the priorities of their employees, especially as […]
As the United States grapples with aging building stock and the need for infrastructure modernization, a critical workforce challenge threatens the commercial real estate sector’s ability to maintain, modernize, and operate the built environment. JLL’s latest skilled trades talent research reveals that by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions for electricians, HVAC technicians, […]
Nearly every modern facility relies on electrical systems, whether it’s a data center, manufacturing plant, school, hospital, or public infrastructure. In all cases, reliability, safety, and uptime are critical. That’s why NFPA 70B, which moved from a recommended practice to a mandatory standard in 2023, has become a focal point for facilities managers across industries. […]
Skilled trades are considered a strong foundation for a facilities management career. As the U.S. confronts a critical shortage of skilled trade workers, the Lowe’s Foundation announced an expanded $250 million commitment to help train and develop 250,000 tradespeople by 2035 through its Gable Grants program. This announcement follows a $100 million initiative from financial giant BlackRock to support the next […]
Stephen Odom, a senior facilities manager at Papa Johns, believes having a strong background in skilled trades can set you up for success in facilities management—especially when it comes to working under “extreme” pressure. Odom’s own background includes about 20 years in the commercial mechanical industry, with previous roles such as regional HVAC manager, national […]
The rapid pace of technological advancement is transforming industries and reshaping the future of work, and the current state of the skilled trades is no different. As more skilled workers move toward retirement, attracting and retaining a new generation of tradespeople requires a commitment to embracing technological change. In turn, facilities managers must pay close […]
The talent and labor shortage in facilities management (FM) is a top concern today, as shown in the National Fire Protection Association’s Industry Trends Survey and ManpowerGroup’s 2025 Global Talent Shortage Survey. In ManpowerGroup’s survey of 40,413 employers across major industries in 42 countries, 74% of global employers said they are struggling to find the skilled […]
Incorporating everything from hands-on labor to leadership roles, facilities management is a versatile industry that has a lot to offer professionals with different skill sets. That’s why Mike McGraw is happy his career path led him to FM over 20 years ago. McGraw currently serves as a unit director at ESFM USA, the corporate facilities […]
From combat engineer to custodial manager, Marcus LaPointe has worn many proverbial hats throughout his career. However, he encourages aspiring facility professionals to get their start in the trades—”any trade.” It’s timely advice, given that reports show a grave need for all types of skilled trade workers. As for LaPointe, he now works as an […]
Pressure is mounting. The facilities management industry is facing a critical workforce gap—one that has only been worsening over the past few years as demand for services outpaces available labor. This gap is characterized by a shortage of skilled workers entering the field and an increasing reliance on outdated systems that fail to attract and […]