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My best friend in high school was the son of a plumber. He used to brag about his dad from time to time, not so much about the father’s ability with tools but his diagnostic skill. Many plumbing problems originate in hidden locations, like behind a wall. I remember a conversation when my buddy marveled...

The housing market is one of the most important sectors of the American economy, both in terms of newly built houses and renovation or repair of existing homes. Most estimates place housing at between 15-18% of overall GDP – i.e., Gross Domestic Product, or the total value of all goods and services...

To combat public perception and help advance the skilled trades, Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers, and storage tanks, developed their signature charitable giving program, Industry Forward®. The program provides grants to eligible organizations and...

One of the reasons it’s such a good time to enter a skilled trade is because the existing work force is rapidly aging. The average trade worker Is over 50 years old and approaching retirement. Employers are desperate to recruit enough replacements.   That’s the good news for young people entering...

Most employers, whether in the trades or any other field, will likely ask job applicants for references. These would be people who are familiar with your work at past jobs and/or who will testify about your character. Nobody wants to hire someone who’s lazy, a bumbler or troublemaker. A reference gives...

September 2023 Explore The Trades Happy Hour Event! Learn about Explore The Trades’ impact over the last 12 months, including the growth of our Skills Lab partnership with Ferguson. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers and mingle with peers from around the country. Join Explore The Trades to celebrate the...

August 2023 Explore The Trades Happy Hour Event! Join Explore The Trades for a happy hour fundraiser in Phoenix on October 5th! Learn about our impact over the past 12 months and have time to relax and spend time with peers from around the country. Guests will also have the opportunity to create their...

Thank you to everyone who attended the Explore The Trades fundraiser in Phoenix! This event was a huge success with the support of both individuals and corporate sponsors, with over $50,000 raised to support the mission of Explore The Trades, which is to bridge the technical talent gap to the service...

That’s what some skilled trade employers have resorted to in trying to resolve severe staffing shortages in construction and some service sectors. This article describes efforts by construction companies in Canada to offer cash rewards not only to workers, but also to anyone who successfully refers...