The Toolbelt Generation: Gen Z is Exploring the Trades

The Toolbelt Generation: Gen Z is Exploring the Trades College degrees have long been seen as the golden ticket to career security. However, a new wave of young people is rejecting this traditional path by turning to blue-collar jobs with the goal of avoiding student loans and learning highly applicable skills. Because of this shift, […]
Here are the Top 10 Trade Schools in the Country

Here are the Top 10 Trade Schools in the Country Skilled trade schools offer students an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on training and education in their chosen career path. Technical and trade schools boast lower tuition costs and a shorter degree track, allowing graduates to enter the workforce as soon as possible. With an […]
Bridging the Skilled Gap: The Importance of Partnerships Between Education and Industry

Bridging the Skilled Gap: The Importance of Partnerships Between Education and Industry In today’s fast-changing job market, traditional education alone is not enough to prepare students for the workforce. With a skilled labor shortage, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are stepping up to fill this gap by providing students with the skills they […]
Women in the Trades: How to Start a Skilled Trades Career

Women in the Trades: How to Start a Skilled Trades Career If you’re a woman exploring career options, consider adding the skilled trades to your list of options! Jobs in the trades, like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, for example, offer something that many traditional career paths don’t: stability, high earning potential, and the […]
Five Reasons Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Companies Should Support Philanthropic Efforts

Five Reasons Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Companies Should Support Philanthropic Efforts The skilled trades industry is facing a growing skilled workforce gap. With fewer young people entering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers to replace retiring technicians, companies across the country are feeling the pressure to find qualified workers. Explore The Trades is dedicated to […]
Where Are Today’s Youth Discovering the Trades?

Where are Today’s Youth Discovering the Trades? Generation Z—born between 1997 and 2012—have an unfortunate reputation among older generations as being lazy and lacking work ethic. However, this perception is inaccurate. The truth is, they’re diving into skilled trades careers. In fact, Gen Z is dubbed the “Toolbelt Generation” for their immense enthusiasm for hands-on […]
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 […]
Master License – What Is It?

Trade careers are rewarding and full of opportunities for growth and development. One of those opportunities is to earn your master license. With commitment and dedication to becoming an expert, plumbing, HVAC and electrical journeymen can advance to the master level. Are you cut out for your master license? Let’s find out. What is a […]
Journeyman License – What Is It?

The skilled trades have numerous opportunities for growth and development, and one of those milestones is the journeyman license. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC professionals can all earn their journeyman license with the right amount of expertise and dedication. Do you have what it takes to become a journeyman? Let’s find out. What is a Journeyman […]
Customer Experience in the Trades

When people have to hire an electrician, plumber or HVAC technician, it can feel stressful. After all, they are trusting your company to come into their home and fix an important issue. They want the experience to go smoothly and to feel satisfied after you leave. Here are some ways to demonstrate customer service excellence […]