
What Do You Want To Do With Your Life?
Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the answer to that question. I didn’t figure it out until well into my 20s. Some people take even longer. Some people are known to switch careers in their 30s or 40s. Since you’re reading this, you are

IAQ Spells Opportunity
Before air conditioning became widespread in American homes, a common way to cool off was simply to open windows to a breeze. Insulation was an afterthought in many homes and buildings, so people generally fought off the coldest days by wearing sweaters indoors. Fuel prices

The Blossoming of Service Work
I first began observing and writing about the trades more than 40 years ago. Changes during that span have been dramatic, encompassing many new technologies, tools and techniques. This is especially true for residential service firms – the companies you call to fix or install

The Trades & AI
The news media is filled with stories about the wondrous achievements of Artificial Intelligence, usually shortened to “AI.” AI is the most advanced form of computer technology, with the machines programmed to adapt and learn things not included in the original computer coding. Some experts

How To Promote Trades Work in High School
We tell high school students time and time again: they have their entire lives in front of them. They indeed have the time to wander and explore if they so choose. Some will continue their education in college while others are not as sure about

Trades Talk – July 2023
July 2023 Explore The Trades atSkillsUSA 2023 Explore The Trades attended the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA from June 19-22, 2023. This conference brought together over 15,000 students, educators, industry vendors and trades professionals from all over the country. These individuals

Explore The Trades at ASCA 2023
Explore The Trades attended the American School Counselor Association Conference in Atlanta, GA from July 15-18, 2023. This conference brought together over 4,500 counselors and educators from all over the country. Executive Director Kate Cinnamo, Donor Engagement Specialist Toni Bower, and Explore The Trades Trustee Lara Beltz

College Degrees Continue To Lose Their Luster
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal caught my attention. It described laws enacted in 10 states during the past year to do away with the requirement of a college degree for government jobs. Georgia, Florida, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, North Caroline, South Carolina,

Explore The Trades at SkillsUSA 2023
Explore The Trades attended the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA from June 19-22, 2023. This conference brought together over 15,000 students, educators, industry vendors and trades professionals from all over the country. These individuals showcased the best of the best in over 100