From what I’ve read there is a shortage of skilled labor. Welders, machinists, pipe fitters, plumbers, etc. With so many more kids going to college on their “free” government loans - being a plumber is beneath them. Why would a railroad offer them a $25,000 signing bonus if there were so many folks looking for a job there?
The military will pay you while you learn a skill AND give you a bunch of money to go to college on. Most kids turn their nose up at that, though.
I got almost that in the 1990's to work in software development. Unlike most Freepers I am still in the workforce. The labor shortage is highly exaggerated.