The Trades Protect The Environment
April 22 marks the 50th Anniversary of an annual celebration that has come to be known as Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, some 20 million Americans, about 10% of the population at the time, took to demonstrations on college campuses and the streets in hundreds of cities to protest environmental degradation from oil spills, […]
The Trades Are Still Working – At Least Some Are
Amid the coronavirus shutdown, some states – Illinois and California among them – have deemed construction projects as essential businesses and allowed projects to continue. Others have ordered construction sites closed except for those involving health care and other critical facilities. A survey in late March by the Associated General Contractors (AGC), a national organization […]
The Same Job as Your Mom or Dad: What are the Odds?
Does what your parents do for a living have an impact on the choice you’ll make for a career? In some cases, the question just doesn’t work. Your parents didn’t have the opportunity to become a social media influencer or a cybersecurity officer When it comes to other types of jobs, though, it turns out […]
The U.S. Needs More Apprenticeship
A nationwide shortage of trade workers had led many businesses and politicians to support more trade education and apprenticeship programs. I addressed this in a previous blog. What is meant by apprenticeship? The term is loosely used to describe a variety of on-the-job training (OJT) programs, but true apprenticeship involves a more formal structure of […]
Two Years Just Might Do It
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that about four million high school students will be seniors this year. Many have already begun to finalize their plans for what happens after they graduate – and a growing number are deciding the next step may not be a traditional four-year college degree. Four-year colleges aren’t the […]
How Technology Is Shaping lives of Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC Techs
Efficiency has never been more important than it is right now if you’re about to explore a career in the trades as a plumber, electrician or HVAC technician. Our homes are being transformed as we look for ways to to save money through the use of technology and become more energy efficient. If you’re thinking […]
Say Hello To $90,000 Jobs That Don’t Require A College Education
It was never much of a secret. People just weren’t paying attention. There are tens of thousands of current job openings for positions that can pay you more than workers whose jobs require a bachelor’s degree. If you don’t want to sit all day at a desk in front of a computer and the idea […]
Tools Of The Trade
An experienced eye can spot a master craft worker from a run-of-the-mill mechanic by one simple observation. Pay attention to the quality and condition of his tools. A master craft worker treasures his tools as much as a musician does his instrument or an artist his paints and brushes. As with anything else, you’ll get […]
Student Debt: Are You Comfortable With The Consequences?
Sobering statistics: the U.S. Department of Education estimates the cost of a four-year public college averages more than $93,000. If your parents didn’t spend a lifetime saving for it on your behalf, or if you’re not eligible for scholarships, your only option might be to take out student loans. That can put a dark cloud […]
Soft Skills: They’re More Valuable Than A Degree
Stop for a moment and consider this: You can get a four-year college degree and still not have the skills that will land you a job in your chosen field. It doesn’t matter what industry. Employers are scrambling to find people who can demonstrate competence in what are known as “soft skills.” This is because […]