How’s Your Emotional I.Q.?

Different kinds of intelligence are required to succeed in the trades. You need a good mechanical aptitude, of course. You need to be good at math and able to read well enough to understand manuals and other work-related documents. One other type of intelligence is

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What If You Have No Good References?

Before they hire you, most employers will ask for references of people you have worked for in the past. They especially would like to know about former supervisors, department heads or company owners. The more prestigious the titles of the people you give as references,

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Trades Talk – October 2024

October 2024 “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” Equipment Grants NOW OPEN! “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grant applications opened on October 1st! Learn more about how the program can bring HVAC and plumbing equipment to YOUR school. Visit

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Trade Businesses Are Hot Investments

A couple of days ago, the Wall Street Journal ran a front-page article that is loaded with meaning for people in the trades. It described a trend of private equity investors buying up residential plumbing, HVAC and electrical companies. Some of these investors may have

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Explore The Trades’ Fundraiser a Sweet Success!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Explore The Trades “Fireworks & Dessert Party” fundraiser at EPCOT® in Walt Disney World®! A fantastic evening of Disney-themed treats, fireworks, and a little bit of Disney magic was enjoyed by the event guests. Through the generous support

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Smart Homes Need Smart Technicians

I remember way back as a child visiting some homes that still had iceboxes rather than refrigerators and milk delivered by a milkman. Similarly, I bet many of you reading this grew up in homes without many of the modern conveniences we now take for

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Trades Talk – September 2024

September 2024 Register TODAY for an Evening at EPCOT®! Join Explore The Trades at EPCOT® for a “Fireworks & Dessert Party” fundraiser! Explore The Trades is excited to visit Walt Disney World® for a “Fireworks and Dessert Party” in EPCOT®. Enjoy delicious desserts, dazzling entertainment,

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Getting Hired With A Criminal Record

In my last blog I addressed some issues about landing a trade job despite so-called skeletons in your closet. Those bones might include things like DUIs, drug convictions or other misdemeanors. For less serious crimes, job opportunities will be limited in the trades but not

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