I can only speak to where I live(s. Ohio n. Kentucky w. Wva area) so here we go.
There has been no reason for young people to enter the trades because of few openings and low pay rates. The companies that survived the last 10 years of recession were by nature bearish and frugal. They had a adequate pool to choose from, because of company closures, and all was well.
This is not a sustainable situation however, as new blood must be introduced to fill in for retirement and death. I hear from business owners a lot who say they cannot get good help anymore, well when the pay meets the job expectations you will have people to choose from.
Many young folks went to college to ride the storm out, not knowing that the downturn would last this long, and graduated with a degree they can’t use.
The free market will correct itself eventually, the pay will slowly creep up so businesses will be competitive with each other, and then young folks will take the work seriously. This however may take a little time as many companies are accustomed to the ways of the last 10 years and will only grudgingly go along.
I believe it will get better, just be patient.