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 […]
Challenging Depictions of Blue-Collar Workers in Media
There’s a strange irony to the fact that when people watch classist depictions of blue-collar workers on their TVs or movie theatre screens, they’re only able to do so because skilled workers with a keen understanding of the science of electricity made it possible. The amenities of elite homes, like heated floors and smart HVAC […]
The Necessity of Improving Electrical Infrastructure
In the past several months, Explore The Trades has published a series of articles detailing the need for increased investment in the HVAC and plumbing infrastructure in America. When the average person hears the word “infrastructure,” they think of roads, bridges, tunnels, and even waterways. What we have made clear, however, is the elements that […]
Bringing Back Blue-Collar Pride
There is a modern misconception that the “ideal” career path is one that involves an expensive education, a strenuous corporate climb, and thousands of hours in an office with a boardroom as the ultimate destination. In reality, careers like this can entail tens of thousands of dollars in debt, lack of fulfillment, and burnout. The […]
Why More Women Should Consider a Career in the Trades
Trades jobs are an excellent avenue to build one’s career, pursue rewarding and meaningful work, and experience financial freedom at a much younger age than the four-year degree path. What’s more, the demand for skilled trades workers is forecasted to increase steadily in the coming decade and has historically held strong during economic downturns. This […]
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, […]
The Benefits of Lifelong Learning
Are you in a hurry to finish school? Looking to start making your mark on the world? If you said ‘yes’, then take some advice from the world’s most successful leaders: The learning never stops. Don’t be disappointed by that if you don’t like school or the formality of education. Some of those who have […]
Have Wrench, Will Travel
Trade work is wherever you find it. A skilled trade career offers many rewards. One that may or may not appeal to you is the opportunity to live and work in a place other than where you are now living. Good news about trade work is that very few people in our society live […]
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 […]