Start Building Your References

Most employers, whether in the trades or any other field, will likely ask job applicants for references. These would be people who are familiar with your work at past jobs and/or who will testify about your character. Nobody wants to hire someone who’s lazy, a

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Trades Talk – September 2023

September 2023 Explore The Trades Happy Hour Event! Learn about Explore The Trades’ impact over the last 12 months, including the growth of our Skills Lab partnership with Ferguson. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers and mingle with peers from around the country. Join Explore The Trades

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Trades Talk – August 2023

August 2023 Explore The Trades Happy Hour Event! Join Explore The Trades for a happy hour fundraiser in Phoenix on October 5th! Learn about our impact over the past 12 months and have time to relax and spend time with peers from around the country.

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Explore The Trades Happy Hour Event

Thank you to everyone who attended the Explore The Trades fundraiser in Phoenix! This event was a huge success with the support of both individuals and corporate sponsors, with over $50,000 raised to support the mission of Explore The Trades, which is to bridge the

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Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Recruitment Bonuses

That’s what some skilled trade employers have resorted to in trying to resolve severe staffing shortages in construction and some service sectors. This article describes efforts by construction companies in Canada to offer cash rewards not only to workers, but also to anyone who successfully

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What Do You Want To Do With Your Life?

Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the answer to that question. I didn’t figure it out until well into my 20s. Some people take even longer. Some people are known to switch careers in their 30s or 40s. Since you’re reading this, you are

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IAQ Spells Opportunity

Before air conditioning became widespread in American homes, a common way to cool off was simply to open windows to a breeze. Insulation was an afterthought in many homes and buildings, so people generally fought off the coldest days by wearing sweaters indoors. Fuel prices

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The Blossoming of Service Work

I first began observing and writing about the trades more than 40 years ago. Changes during that span have been dramatic, encompassing many new technologies, tools and techniques. This is especially true for residential service firms – the companies you call to fix or install

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