The Necessity of Improving Plumbing Infrastructure
Infrastructure has been a hot topic in the news and political landscape in recent months, and for good reason. However, infrastructure does not only pertain to bridges, roads, and waterways. One often overlooked, but nonetheless crucial component of a healthy infrastructure system is plumbing. As
Smart Homes Need Smart Technicians
“Wrench jockey” is a somewhat insulting term sometimes used to describe a trade worker. These days, the terminology is not only unkind but off the mark. Sure, wrenches, screwdrivers and other manual tools are still essential components of a toolbox, but the tools of the
Explore The Trades: 2021 in Review
Thank you to everyone who supported Explore The Trades in 2021! We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the help of our incredible donors. Over $250,000 was raised to provide 29,000 people with resources that will help them begin their careers in
Trade Workers Need To Build Trust
Too much of the general public does not hold trade workers in high esteem. It’s a major reason why so many young people resist entering the trades. The main reason why so many people harbor negative feelings about trade workers is because of bad experiences
A Guide to Trade School: What Parents Should Know
As your child begins thinking about their future, odds are they’re starting to make decisions about their career path. Attending a four-year university after high school isn’t the only option your child has. There’s a considerable need for a skilled labor force, and a four-year
A Flip Side Of The Skilled Labor Shortage
In these blogs, I frequently detail the nationwide shortage of skilled trade workers. However, I ought to make it clear that not every trade employer faces that dilemma. I’ve spoken to quite a few trade employers who tell me they have no trouble filling their
College Continues to Lose Luster
The number of high school graduates that enroll in college continues to drop. Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows that in 2021 around 17.5 million students were enrolled in two- or four-year colleges and universities, a 3.2% decline from 2020 and the
Preparing Your Home for Winter with HVAC
As you may know, and as we’ve written before, the importance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a home cannot be overstated. Responsible for the quality, temperature, and distribution of all the air in the building, a well-functioning HVAC system is
Talking Shop With A Trade Worker
In my last blog, I cited a survey showing 83% of trade workers expressed satisfaction with their work. It reminded me of conversations I had with one of them. Before Covid put an end to such fun, I used to gather with several friends to