Rick Donovan
Trades Editor
As the Trades Editor for AllTradesJournal, Rick Donovan reports on construction tech, tool innovation, and safety standards across the trades. His coverage spans essential topics like welding, HVAC, plumbing, and automotive services, providing readers with actionable industry insights. Rick approaches his writing with a commitment to demystifying complex techniques and highlighting the latest practices for professionals and DIYers alike.
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Latest Articles
Government Invests Millions in Construction Apprenticeship Programs
California alone is investing $25 million in grants for skilled trades, funding 88 apprenticeship programs set to train 22,208 workers, according to gov.
Sep 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Small Businesses See Faster Employee Growth After Adopting AI
In a surprising twist, very small businesses that embrace AI are expanding their employee ranks faster than those that do not, defying expectations that AI is solely a big-company game.
Sep 12, 2026 · 3 min read
NAIT breaks ground on $779M Advanced Skills Centre for trades
At a cost of $779 million, NAIT's new Advanced Skills Centre is the largest capital project in the institution's history, set to expand trades education capacity by 5,500 students.
Sep 11, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Residential and Commercial Electrical Wiring Types?
Many homeowners are unaware that the common Romex wiring found in their homes is strictly prohibited in residential buildings over three stories or in any commercial construction.
Sep 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Grants Fuel Trades Education, Drawing Next-Gen Workers
Graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology's trades programs boast a 98% job placement rate and earn 36% more than the national average for federal aid recipients, according to the college.
Sep 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Top 9 Essential Hand Tools for Apprentice Plumbers Starter Kit
A working plumber's basic kit of nine tools handles 90% of residential service calls.
Sep 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Home service businesses boost customer engagement with texting
For a mere $0.005 per message segment, home service businesses are achieving a 98% open rate and a 45% response rate, significantly dwarfing email's typical engagement metrics. Lotiva data confirms SM
Sep 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Bentonville High Opens Crossland Construction Lab for CTE Students
A $48,000 equipment donation from Crossland Construction Co.
Sep 9, 2026 · 2 min read
Skilled Trades Can Pay $80K+. Your Kids Aren't Hearing This.
Experienced elevator and escalator mechanics can earn $80,000 to $90,000+ annually, a salary rivaling or exceeding many college graduates.
Sep 9, 2026 · 4 min read
AI Automation Impact: Skilled Trades Workforce Demand Surges
The average time-to-hire for skilled trades has now reached 56 days, surpassing the 54-day average for desk-based professionals, according to news .
Sep 9, 2026 · 4 min read
Industrial and residential cleaning services market sees high growth
The global commercial cleaning market is set to nearly double, from USD 72.
Sep 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Skilled Trades: AI's Role in Bridging the 2026 Knowledge Gap
The distribution workforce is aging out so rapidly that companies cannot hire replacements fast enough.
Sep 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Luxury watchmakers embrace pre-owned market to attract Gen Z buyers
Swiss watch exports plummeted from 25.
Sep 7, 2026 · 4 min read
The Modular Construction Shift: Reshaping Skilled Trades Amidst Labor Shortages
Factories equipped with automated welding and robotic material handling can achieve the output of 10-15 field crews with fewer errors, according to Mordor Intelligence .
Sep 7, 2026 · 6 min read
AI Integration in Construction Procurement: The Road Ahead
At a Texas construction site, an AI system recently predicted a critical hydraulic failure 72 hours in advance.
Sep 6, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Maintain Commercial HVAC Systems for Peak Efficiency
Many commercial buildings are silently losing thousands annually in avoidable energy costs because their HVAC systems are running inefficiently.
Sep 4, 2026 · 6 min read
TIG vs. MIG Welding: Which Technique is Better for Fabrication?
A skilled MIG operator can typically complete a weld two to four times faster than a TIG operator, fundamentally altering project timelines and labor costs for many fabrication shops, according to Pre
Sep 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Contract cleaning services market growth drivers expand industry
The global contract cleaning services market, often overlooked, is projected to swell by nearly $150 billion in just four years, reaching $587.
Sep 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Building Futures Coalition Tackles U.S. Skilled Trades Shortfall
The U.S. faces a projected shortfall of 2.1 million skilled trade workers by 2030, a gap so vast it could cost the economy $1 trillion annually, according to ESG Dive . This deficit threatens essentia
Sep 4, 2026 · 3 min read
On-Demand Dry Cleaning Boom: Green Claims Lag Behind Growth
In 2023, a single on-demand dry cleaning startup operating within New York City processed over 100,000 garments monthly.
Sep 4, 2026 · 4 min read