Ignacio Duron, CEO of Most Valuable Plumber, is advocating for increased support for skilled trades education and community-based mentorship as data reveals hundreds of thousands of plumbing and construction roles may remain unfilled by 2030. Duron emphasizes that practical career exposure and personal mentorship could help address the growing workforce shortage while building stronger communities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the skilled trades sector faces a significant gap, with more than 500,000 plumbing and construction roles expected to 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, where Duron's family-run business operates.
"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." Duron connects his advocacy to broader developmental benefits, citing research from the Aspen Institute showing that young people involved in organized sports are more likely to develop leadership skills, confidence, and persistence. These traits, he argues, translate directly into workplace success and trade careers. "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 promoting formal programs, Duron encourages individuals to take personal action within their communities. He suggests talking openly 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. This grassroots approach, he believes, could help shift perceptions about trade careers while addressing the workforce shortage. "You don't need a big platform to help someone," Duron noted. "Sometimes just showing how real work gets done can change how someone sees their future."
The implications of Duron's message extend beyond workforce development to community resilience and economic stability. As infrastructure demands increase and experienced workers retire, the shortage of skilled tradespeople could affect everything from residential plumbing repairs to large-scale municipal projects. Duron's perspective, drawn from his journey from hands-on plumbing work in North Hollywood to leading a business across Los Angeles County, emphasizes that practical solutions often begin with individual engagement rather than institutional programs. "Progress happens when people are willing to pass on what they've learned," he concluded, framing mentorship as both a practical response to workforce challenges and a means of strengthening community connections.
