Ignacio Duron, CEO of Most Valuable Plumber, is advocating for increased support of skilled trades education and mentorship programs amid growing workforce shortages in essential industries. Following a recent spotlight on his career, Duron is drawing attention to what he describes as a critical gap in career conversations that often overlooks hands-on professions.
"A lot of people talk about success without talking about the work behind it," Duron said. "Trades show you how effort, patience, and problem-solving come together in real life." His perspective comes from personal experience, having built his career from plumbing work in North Hollywood to leading a family-run business serving Los Angeles County.
The urgency of Duron's message is supported by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects more than 500,000 plumbing and construction roles will go unfilled by the end of the decade due to retirements and low entry rates. This shortage coincides with increasing infrastructure demands in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, creating potential economic and development challenges.
Duron identifies mentorship and youth development programs as key solutions to this workforce crisis. He points to research from the Aspen Institute showing that young people involved in organized sports develop leadership skills, confidence, and persistence—traits that translate directly to workplace success. "Coaching kids taught me that growth takes time," Duron explained. "You don't rush it. You show up, stay consistent, and let people learn through experience."
Rather than advocating for large-scale institutional programs, Duron emphasizes individual action within local communities. He suggests practical approaches including having open conversations with young people about hands-on careers, inviting them to observe real work environments, volunteering as coaches or mentors, and sharing practical skills at home. "You don't need a big platform to help someone," he noted. "Sometimes just showing how real work gets done can change how someone sees their future."
The implications of this workforce shortage extend beyond individual businesses to affect community infrastructure, economic stability, and the availability of essential services. As Duron puts it, "Progress happens when people are willing to pass on what they've learned." His call to action represents a grassroots approach to addressing systemic workforce challenges through community engagement and practical skill transmission.
