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 granted. Many “smart homes” of today are equipped with technology […]
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, and a chance to ride the popular attraction – ‘Frozen […]
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 completely out of the question. A felony conviction for any […]
Do You Have Skeletons In Your Closet?
Before hiring anyone, most trade employers will do a background check that includes criminal history, driving records and past employment. If they’re diligent, they will also attempt to contact the people you list as references to see what they say about you. If you have a clean background, have never been in significant trouble, and […]
Prepare To Answer These Questions
You’ve filled out your job application. If you fit the role, your would-be employer will ask to meet you for at least one and sometimes multiple face-to-face interview sessions. Whether you are a highly paid executive or a novice seeking to become a trade apprentice, how you handle this part of the process goes a […]
Trades Talk – August 2024
August 2024 Fireworks & Dessert Party with Explore The Trades Join Explore The Trades at EPCOT® for a Fireworks & Dessert Party! Explore The Trades is looking forward to visiting Walt Disney World® for a “Fireworks and Dessert” party in EPCOT®. Enjoy sweet treats, dazzling entertainment, and a chance to ride a popular attraction at […]
Soar With The Eagles
If and when you enter a trade, you will meet a variety of new people both as co-workers and mentors. As in any occupation, they are likely to be a mixture of personalities and attributes. Some may be hard-working, others not. Some will be outgoing, others introverted, and so on. Some will likely share certain […]
Where Today’s Youth Are Discovering the Trades
Gen Z has gotten a bad rap. Older generations have bemoaned what they view as a lackluster work ethic and an obsession with going viral. While it’s true that Gen Z grew up immersed in social media, they are shedding the “lazy” reputation their elders have saddled them with. For the skilled trades, it couldn’t […]
Understanding the Role Donors Play in Advancing Trades Opportunities
Nonprofit donations provide critical support in attracting young people to the skilled trades. Nonprofits have been established to provide resources and information for those considering the skilled trades as well as cementing partnerships with trades schools and apprenticeship programs to facilitate education for burgeoning tradespeople. Let’s take a closer look at the role donors play […]
The Importance of Trades Education in American High Schools
American high schools have traditionally emphasized a pathway that leads directly to four-year colleges. However, this focus often overlooks the substantial benefits and opportunities that vocational education can offer students. As the demand for skilled tradespeople surges across the nation, incorporating trades education into high school curriculums is not just beneficial but essential. Bridging the […]