First there was Bob the Builder on television teaching kids about construction. Then Handy Manny came along shortly after teaching them about contract work. Now, a new show on Disney+ is introducing a whole new generation to facilities management.
Monsters at Work first debuted on the streaming platform in 2021 and takes place in the world of Monsters Inc. as they transition from scare power to laugh power. The main character, Tylor Tuskman, was hired at the factory as a scarer and is devastated to learn that his position is no longer needed and gets reassigned to the Monsters Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT).
Throughout the course of the first season viewers are able to see the trials and tribulations of facilities management. Whether it be lights going out or mechanical systems getting jammed, MIFT was always there to save the day. Surely that must sound familiar.
Facilities professionals are often the unsung heroes of building operations. They are only known to people when someone goes wrong within a building, and very rarely do they get the praise that they deserve. It is rare that people outside the industry are familiar with the job. Introducing children to trade jobs at a young age can open up a world of opportunities to those who may be interested.
“Exposing trade jobs to kids at a young age is crucial. It broadens their understanding of career options beyond the traditional college pathway,” says Keith Watkins, director of facilities, City School District of New Rochelle. “We need to show them that successful futures can also be built through skilled trades and technical training. My own experience highlights this: two of my sons pursued college, while the third enrolled in a lineman trade school, securing employment before graduation. Each path has its value, and it’s empowering for kids to know they have choices. My journey through various trades has equipped me with lifelong skills, and it’s rewarding to see my sons embrace that knowledge as well.”
Recently, The Wall Street Journal labeled Gen Z the “toolbelt generation” as the youngest generation of workers continues to show an interest in trade work. Nearly 80 percent of students have been exposed to trade jobs by the time they are 15 years old, FacilitiesNet previously reported. Meanwhile, 27 percent of students aged 13 years or younger have already been exposed. Schools have played a critical role in this exposure as 31 percent of Dewalt survey respondents said that they first heard about these types of careers during the school day.
“I think it’s good to expose trade jobs to kids at a young age to spark curiosity, creative and an empathetic interest and learning base for everything skilled trades,” says Maria Ruiz, facilities and operations manager for Unicef USA. “Many of the skilled trades require writing, math, science and other STEM skills that they can use to apply their knowledge into. When I was in junior high school, I had home economics, wood shop, drafting class and art. I learned so much. It gave me hands-on experience, and I was just excited to work alongside my studies and general knowledge. In this highly data driven, information age, the skilled trades are even more in the forefront of what we need to not only compete, but to excel.”
Skilled trade classes are limited, though. As FacilitiesNet previously reported, 41 percent said that they have access to trades programs within their school. However, when classes are provided, it is commonly cited to be their favorite subject.
There is currently a significant labor gap in the facilities management industry. Shows like Monsters at Work and social media can entice the younger generation to join the industry as they are able to get an up-close view of what the job entails. While it may seem silly that something so simple as a kid’s show can make a difference, there’s a reason why these shows keep on getting produced. People want to be represented and the more interest that viewers show, the more popular they become. Sure, Monsters at Work is a show made for children, but there’s going to be one kid that becomes a facilities manager because of it.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
