Proven Strategies for Training Apprentices

As every trades professional knows, an apprenticeship is one of the most pivotal components of a plumbing, HVAC, or electrical career. During this time, apprentices acquire the skills, experience, and knowledge to be able to add value to their team and help clients solve real problems. For each apprentice, it’s an undoubtedly life-changing experience. For […]

Great Trades Careers That Welcome Diverse Professional Backgrounds

Many men and women who work in the trades have interesting stories to tell — not just because they’ve seen a lot of interesting things on the job, but because they each have unique and diverse backgrounds. The nature of plumbing, electrical and HVAC work allows for people with all professional backgrounds and experiences to […]

What No One Tells You About Life After High School

Graduating from high school is a great accomplishment. You worked hard, so take it all in; you deserve it. Preparing for life or a career can be scary, but there are paths you can take that you may not know about. Read on to find out how you can successfully transition from high school graduate […]

What Does It Take To Start A Career In The Trades?

Working in the trades is a rewarding experience. You closely interact with customers, playing both technical and customer service roles. You are also able to set flexible hours, and you aren’t stuck sitting behind a desk for the rest of your life. If this sounds like the lifestyle and work culture you are looking for, […]

Final Apprenticeship Report Is In

On June 15, 2017, President Trump issued E.O. 13801, Expanding Apprenticeships in America, which directed the Secretary of Labor to establish a Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion to identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships. Apprenticeship programs allow workers to develop occupational skills and receive work-based training, classroom instruction, and mentorship all while performing productive […]

What’s It Take To Be An Electrician?

This trade is more critical than ever.   Skilled electricians always have been in high demand, but the trade is becoming more critical than ever because of the abundance of electronic systems being installed in homes and commercial buildings nowadays. So-called “smart homes” feature a array of automated systems to control lighting and appliances by […]

How To Recognize A Good Apprenticeship Program

Is it really training or just cheap labor?   In choosing an apprenticeship program, you have some basic decisions to make. Do you wish to pursue union employment or nonunion? Are you more intrigued by construction or service work? Most union-run apprenticeship programs are renowned for stressing top-notch craftsmanship. However, some may be hard to […]

What Is Apprenticeship?

It combines classroom instruction with hands-on work.   Apprenticeship dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe as a way for master craftsmen to pass on their knowledge and techniques to younger generations. The craftsman would employ one or more young people at minimal wages in exchange for teaching them the craft. Typically apprentices would […]

Interns Vs. Apprentices

Working for free is unheard of in the trades.   You may have thought that the Emancipation Proclamation did away with slave labor in this country, but it persists in many office buildings around the country. That’s where thousands of college students spend their summers or evening hours fetching coffee, shuffling papers and doing other […]