Trades Talk – May 2024
May 2024 Recipients of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” Grants Announced12 Schools to Receive Support to Create and Update Plumbing & HVAC Labs The “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants were announced on May 1, 2024, in
10 Tips for Starting a New Job
Congratulations. You convinced someone to hire you as a trainee. It’s your first day on the job and you know little about what you will be doing. But you want to make a good impression. Here’s how, in 10 simple steps. Be prepared. Learn as
The Skilled Trades Are Surging
A front-page article in the April 2, 2024 edition of the Wall Street Journal addresses a point I’ve made repeatedly in this blog. It describes the growing attraction of trade careers to members of what’s become known as Generation Z, generally defined as those born
Are You Ready For A Career Change?
When the Covid pandemic was raging during 2020-21, an unexpected phenomenon came with it that some labeled the “Great Resignation.” The number of people quitting their jobs in the U.S. reached an all-time high. Partly it was due to government funding that paid many people
Trades Talk – April 2024
Thank you to all the schools that applied for the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants!Please check our website on May 1st to see the list of new recipients. NEW Recruiting Resources from Explore The Trades! Explore The Trades is your partner in building
Explore The Trades at the National HVACR Education Conference
Explore The Trades attended the National HVACR Education Conference hosted by ESCO Group in Las Vegas, NV from March 25-26, 2024. This conference brought together over 1,100 HVACR educators, manufacturers, and industry professionals from all over the country. Explore The Trades’ team members Toni Bower
Starting From Square 1: Building a Career in the Trades
While starting fresh with a trades career may sound challenging, the payoff can be immense. Jessica Bannister, an HVAC professional, spent over 10 years behind a desk before beginning her apprenticeship in 2018. Jessica grew up thinking the trades weren’t an option for women like
Beware Of The Peter Principle
“The Peter Principle” is the title of a book published in 1972 that, in my opinion, is one of the most insightful business books ever. It refers to the fact that many people in the business world tend to be promoted beyond their level of
Mind Your Manners
Politeness is important when it comes to any career, especially the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical trades. Many people besides myself have noticed a general decline in good manners in recent times. In the trades or any other job for that matter, manners or lack