Ignacio Duron, CEO of Most Valuable Plumber, is advocating for increased support of skilled trades education and mentorship programs to address significant workforce shortages projected in the coming years. Following a recent spotlight feature on his career, Duron is highlighting the growing gap between available skilled workers and infrastructure demands in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the skilled trades sector faces a critical shortage with more than 500,000 plumbing and construction roles expected to remain unfilled by the end of the decade due to retirements and low entry rates. This workforce gap coincides with increasing infrastructure demands in urban centers, creating potential challenges for maintenance, development, and economic growth.
"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 career journey from hands-on plumbing work in North Hollywood to leading a family-run business across Los Angeles County exemplifies the practical career pathways available in skilled trades that he believes are often overlooked in traditional career conversations.
Duron emphasizes that mentorship represents a crucial component of developing the next generation of skilled workers. He points to research from the Aspen Institute showing that young people involved in organized sports are more likely to develop leadership skills, confidence, and persistence—traits that translate directly into 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 focusing solely on 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. "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 these workforce shortages extend beyond individual businesses to affect community infrastructure, economic stability, and development timelines. As cities like Los Angeles continue to grow and age, the need for qualified tradespeople becomes increasingly urgent for maintaining water systems, buildings, and public facilities. Duron's advocacy highlights how community-based solutions can complement broader educational initiatives to address these systemic challenges.
Duron's perspective connects workforce development with broader community values, suggesting that progress occurs "when people are willing to pass on what they've learned." This approach positions skilled trades not merely as employment options but as pathways to stable careers that contribute directly to community wellbeing and infrastructure resilience. The combination of statistical projections and personal experience creates a compelling case for re-evaluating how society values and promotes trade careers to younger generations.
