College is Cool, But Have You Tried Avoiding Debt?
One of the biggest moments in a student’s life is when they graduate high school. This event kicks off the start of a new era, where opportunities are endless and you can choose your career path. Many students go through high school preparing for college, and many high schools and institutions intentionally prepare and lead […]
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Technical School
For many high school students, figuring out what the next step after graduation is can be challenging. Traditionally, going to a four-year college has been seen as the default option for students. Whether they are looking to get their undergraduate degree or going further towards master’s or doctorate, many high school students have their minds […]
Great Trades Careers That Welcome Diverse Professional Backgrounds
Many men and women who work in the trades have interesting stories to tell — not just because they’ve seen a lot of interesting things on the job, but because they each have unique and diverse backgrounds. The nature of plumbing, electrical and HVAC work allows for people with all professional backgrounds and experiences to […]
The Joy of Physical Fitness
The trades have come a long way from the bad old days when so many tasks required brute force. Everything from power tools to material handling lifts make the jobs much easier than decades ago. Persons of any size or gender now can handle a trade career. Within reason. Although trade work is easier than […]
Smart Homes Need Smart HVAC/R Technicians
The human race has come a long way from fireplaces and stoves to keep warm and hand-held fans to cool off. For more than a century we have learned to harness the physical properties of air and water to keep us warm in winter and cool in summer. Doing so has required the use of […]
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 skilled trades are constantly evolving to include sophisticated electronic instrumentation […]
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 degree is not the only path that leads to success […]
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 jobs and are happy with the people they hire. Who […]
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 largest two-year decline on record. Although much of the dramatic […]
Most Trade Workers Love Their Jobs
An annual survey released in September found that 83% of skilled trade workers expressed satisfaction with their choice of work. This stands in contrast with numerous other studies that show workers in many other fields discontented with their jobs, a long-term trend that has been aggravated by the Covid pandemic. Skilled trade workers were attracted […]