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
Multifamily boosts US construction starts, but broad recovery stalls
In June, construction of multifamily buildings with five or more units soared an astonishing 76.
Jul 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Canada Launches $6B Program Addressing Skilled Trades Shortage
Canada's federal government just pledged up to $6 billion for a 'Team Canada Strong' program, aiming to train 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030-31.
Jul 18, 2026 · 2 min read
AI in Industry Erodes Trust; Your Skills Might Be Next
In a factory where autonomous robots perform tasks once requiring decades of human expertise, a single software glitch could halt production and erase years of institutional knowledge.
Jul 18, 2026 · 3 min read
Modular Construction's Skills Gap: A New Certificate III Aims to Bridge It
In the first four months of this year, Chinese enterprises exported RMB 1.
Jul 17, 2026 · 4 min read
Gen Z eyes skilled trades: 55% consider careers for high pay
Logan Bangert, a Gen Z worker, earns $80,000 to $90,000 a year repairing wind turbine blades, a salary many college graduates struggle to achieve, according to 아시아경제 .
Jul 17, 2026 · 3 min read
Drone Technology Adoption Surges in Hazardous Industries: 2026 Trends
The Federal Aviation Administration's approval of the MONTIS drone system for avalanche safety missions marks a significant pivot, empowering machines to undertake some of the riskiest jobs previously
Jul 17, 2026 · 6 min read
Digital Transformation of Trades and Services Booms
Walmart will roll out digital price tags across all its US stores by the end of 2026.
Jul 16, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 4 Best Construction Management Software Options for 2026
Only 16% of construction businesses achieve advanced digital capability, despite 50% using cloud software and nearly as many leveraging AI.
Jul 16, 2026 · 5 min read
How Does an HVAC System Work? A Complete Guide to Home Climate Control
While your old furnace might be burning money at a mere 60% efficiency, modern high-efficiency units can convert an astonishing 98% of fuel into usable heat, according to Skillcatapp .
Jul 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Key trends reshape global capability centers in 2026
In the first half of calendar year 2026, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) hired between 13,000 to 17,000 Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) roles, according to ETCFO .
Jul 15, 2026 · 2 min read
New construction trades training programs launch for adults and high schoolers
Lincoln Tech is investing $10 million into a new 36,000-square-foot training center in Maryland, signaling a significant expansion of construction trades training programs for adults.
Jul 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Lowe's Foundation invests $250 million in skilled trades training programs
The Lowe's Foundation plans to invest a quarter-billion dollars to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035, according to Lowe's Foundation .
Jul 14, 2026 · 2 min read
AI Integration Drives Industrial Automation Growth Despite Safety Concerns
By mid-2026, a single 3D ultrasonic sensor like Sonair's ADAR One can achieve SIL 2 and PL d safety ratings.
Jul 14, 2026 · 4 min read
Government Funds Boost Skilled Trades Training
The U.S. Department of Labor alone has injected over $162 million into expanding Registered Apprenticeships. This marks a national pivot towards bolstering the skilled trades workforce. This substanti
Jul 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Natchez Building Trades Program Strengthens Workforce for Growth
Since July 2020, Natchez has seen over 400 new businesses open or expand, creating close to 1400 new jobs.
Jul 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Common DIY Electrical Repair Mistakes to Avoid
Thousands are critically injured or electrocuted annually in U.
Jul 10, 2026 · 5 min read
What Are AI Applications in Construction Project Management?
Despite its potential to boost construction productivity by up to 1.
Jul 10, 2026 · 3 min read
AI automation impact on skilled trades jobs is booming, but talent pathways lag
The average time-to-hire for a skilled trades worker has now reached 56 days, two days longer than for desk-based professionals, signaling a profound shift in labor market demand.
Jul 9, 2026 · 3 min read
AI and Smart Home Technologies for Home Maintenance
In South Africa, a single AI-powered home companion platform now connects over 40,000 vetted service companies to approximately R50 million (c.
Jul 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Weave Robotics unveils Isaac 1, a new home robot
Weave Robotics' new Isaac 1 robot, capable of folding laundry and making beds, demands an $8,000 upfront payment or a $449 monthly subscription, with initial shipments not expected until fall 2026, ac
Jul 7, 2026 · 3 min read