Section

Trades

News and information for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

Diverse apprentices learning skilled trades with modern tools and equipment in a bright, collaborative training environment.

HCC Apprenticeship Program Secures New Funding for Skilled Trades

Houston Community College recently secured a $17 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies , signaling a major push to expand skilled trades through apprenticeships.

Rick Donovan· Jul 5· 2 min
A high-speed train travels through the Central Valley with construction in the background, representing the $2.4 billion design-build contract for California's high-speed rail.

California High-Speed Rail Seeks $2.4B Design-Build Partners

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has opened bidding for a $2.

Rick Donovan· Jun 30· 2 min
A powerful electric pressure washer dramatically cleaning a driveway during Amazon Prime Day, highlighting significant discounts on top brands like Kärcher and Greenworks.

Amazon Prime Day Slashes Prices on Top Pressure Washers

During Amazon's Prime Day, the Kärcher K1700 Electric Pressure Washer, usually $229.

Rick Donovan· Jun 29· 2 min
An Ego 56V 15-inch string trimmer is shown in use during a Prime Day sale, with a significant price reduction highlighted.

Amazon Slashes Ego String Trimmer Prices Up to 34%

During Amazon's Prime Day, the Ego 56V 15-Inch String Trimmer, a top-rated tool, sells for just $132.

Rick Donovan· Jun 29· 2 min
Farmer inspecting healthy crops in a sunlit field, symbolizing the benefits of organic fertilizers for plant growth and yield.

Discover Effective Organic Fertilizers for Plants

Farmers applying soybean meal to their crops have seen winter wheat yields jump by an astonishing 299% compared to treatments without organic fertilizers.

Rick Donovan· Jun 28· 2 min
Electricians installing wiring in a futuristic data center, highlighting the crucial role of skilled trades in supporting AI infrastructure growth.

Nvidia CEO: AI boom needs 130,000 more electricians

The United States needs 130,000 more trained electricians by 2030, just to keep pace with AI infrastructure expansion.

Rick Donovan· Jun 25· 2 min
Female gymnast soaring through the air during a vault, showcasing incredible athleticism and focus under bright stadium lights.

Vaulted Success Pushes Limits Amid Injury Concerns

Isabella Cox stands alone as the only gymnast on this list to achieve a perfect 10.

Rick Donovan· Jun 25· 2 min
Construction site in Western Australia at dusk, symbolizing the decline in trade apprenticeships despite high demand for skilled labor.

Western Australia sees fewer trade apprentices as demand rises

Western Australia's skilled trades pipeline has shrunk to a five-year low, with nearly 5,000 fewer apprentices and trainees enrolled since 2021.

Rick Donovan· Jun 24· 2 min
Engineers overseeing the construction of a large, modern water treatment plant in Placer County, highlighting the scale and complexity of the project.

Carollo Engineers Wins Placer County WTP Management Contract

Placer County is embarking on a $210 million water treatment plant, yet the crucial construction management contract for the first phase was awarded to Carollo Engineers for just $271,960.

Rick Donovan· Jun 23· 2 min
Young Indian student choosing between a sterile MBA office and a dynamic, hands-on skilled trades workshop, symbolizing a career choice.

India's CEA Urges Students Toward Skilled Trades Over MBAs

India's Chief Economic Adviser V.

Rick Donovan· Jun 22· 2 min
Interior of the expanded fitness center at Hilton Boston Back Bay, showcasing Peloton bikes and access to outdoor wellness areas with a city view.

Hilton Boston Back Bay Unveils New Wellness Features Post-Renovation

The Hilton Boston Back Bay invested millions into its 401-room property, expanding its fitness center to 3,500 square feet with Peloton bikes and outdoor wellness spaces, reports Construction Dive .

Rick Donovan· Jun 19· 2 min
Robotics technician in India working with advanced AI machinery, symbolizing the rise of skilled trades over traditional white-collar jobs.

India's skilled trades outpace MBAs in AI era

Demand for robotics technicians in India has skyrocketed by over 500% in just four years, far outpacing the growth and salary increases seen in many entry-level white-collar jobs.

Rick Donovan· Jun 17· 2 min
Expert applying a rich, solid deck stain to a weathered wooden deck, showcasing a professional and durable finish.

Solid Deck Stains: Expert Tests & Performance Review

The worst wood stain in Consumer Reports' ratings scores an abysmal 4 out of 100.

Rick Donovan· Jun 15· 2 min
Homebuyer carefully inspecting a wooden deck for structural integrity, focusing on railings and stairs.

Buying a house with a deck: Key considerations for buyers

A deck can look pristine, yet hide critical issues: corroded fasteners, loose ledger boards, or sagging framing.

Rick Donovan· Jun 15· 2 min
A luxurious backyard deck contrasted with a simple water dish, highlighting the balance between homeowner luxury and essential wildlife support.

Backyard Additions: Balancing Luxury and Wildlife Lifeline

While building a new deck can cost up to $20,000, a simple, shallow dish of water in a shady spot can be a lifeline for a hedgehog struggling in summer heat.

Rick Donovan· Jun 14· 2 min
Diverse group of plumbers, electricians, and construction workers collaborating on a holographic blueprint, symbolizing Google's investment in skilled trades training.

Google invests $50 million in skilled trades training programs

Google, known for search and AI, has pledged $50 million to train over 300,000 plumbers, electricians, and construction workers across 20 states.

Rick Donovan· Jun 13· 2 min
Diverse group of construction workers building a high-tech data center, showcasing Meta's investment in workforce development for critical infrastructure.

Meta Launches Academy to Train Data Center Construction Workers

Meta is investing $115 million to launch a five-week workforce academy.

Rick Donovan· Jun 12· 2 min
Conceptual rendering of a new Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, Indiana, highlighting the team's potential move and new facility plans.

Chicago Bears advance stadium project in Hammond, Indiana

The Chicago Bears' board of directors has voted to advance a stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, despite finalizing a $197 million land deal in Arlington Heights just last year.

Rick Donovan· Jun 10· 2 min
A bustling, high-tech data center in Minneapolis contrasted with a dormant traditional industrial construction site, highlighting a market boom in one sector amidst a general slowdown.

Minneapolis data centers boom amid broader industrial slowdown

Construction activity in the greater Twin Cities area declined this spring.

Rick Donovan· Jun 9· 2 min
CPUT graduate Phaphama Ngalimani proudly inspects a wooden furniture piece in his bustling carpentry workshop, showcasing his successful transition to entrepreneurship.

CPUT graduate picks carpentry business over teaching career

Phaphama Ngalimani, a Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) graduate, now earns in one week from his carpentry business what he previously made in three months as a contract teacher, accordin

Rick Donovan· Jun 9· 2 min
Young Alabamians in aviation and construction gear looking towards a bright future, symbolizing opportunities in skilled trades.

Alabama Building Futures: $2,000 for Aviation, Construction

Only 50 Alabama residents will receive a $2,000 scholarship for aviation or construction careers through a new state program.

Rick Donovan· Jun 8· 2 min
A futuristic, illuminated Johnson Space Center campus with advanced spacecraft on launchpads under a twilight sky.

NASA Awards 7 Contracts for Johnson Space Center Upgrades

NASA awarded seven companies contracts totaling up to $300 million for upgrades at its Johnson Space Center.

Rick Donovan· Jun 6· 2 min
Young Fijian vocational graduates looking uncertain about their future employment prospects outside their training institution.

Fiji vocational training: Graduates face job mismatch

Despite over 69,000 learners graduating from Fiji National University's TVET programs between 2019 and 2023, Fiji's youth unemployment hit 15.

Rick Donovan· Jun 4· 2 min
A frozen archival vault with ice crystals on shelves of ancient books and documents, highlighting the importance of freezing for preservation.

Freezing Offers Critical First Step in Archival Preservation

Leaving water-soaked archival materials for just 48 hours in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit can almost certainly lead to heavy mold growth, making costly restoration nearly impossible.

Rick Donovan· Jun 2· 2 min
Carpenter's hands precisely installing simple, elegant baseboard trim in a bright, modern living room, showcasing craftsmanship and home improvement value.

Mastering Simple Finish Carpentry Rules for 2026 Projects

Custom trim can provide around 70 percent of its cost back when selling a home, making thoughtful carpentry a powerful investment.

Rick Donovan· Jun 2· 2 min
A modern home's entrance featuring a sleek, flush-glazed fiberglass exterior door with large glass panels, enhancing natural light and curb appeal.

How to Choose the Best Exterior Doors for Modern Homes

As interest rates climb, home renovation is now the top choice for homeowners seeking to improve their living spaces without moving, according to Masonite .

Rick Donovan· Jun 2· 2 min
Interior view of Washington Union Station's main hall, showcasing its historic architecture and bustling activity, highlighting the scale of the renovation project.

US DOT Invests $466 Million in Washington Union Station Renovation

A $466 million federal investment was announced for Washington Union Station, a sum poised to kickstart immediate improvements for the historic D.

Rick Donovan· Jun 2· 2 min
The Waterdrop M6H instant hot RO system dispensing purified, steaming water on a modern kitchen countertop.

Waterdrop M6H Review: Instant Hot RO System Delivers Purity

For $359, the Waterdrop M6H promises instant hot, purified water directly from your countertop.

Rick Donovan· Jun 1· 2 min
A premium hibachi grill and an electric water gun displayed in a backyard setting, perfect for Father's Day gifts.

Give Dad the Best Backyard Upgrades for Father's Day

A super-premium hibachi grill, crafted from heavy-gauge steel and weighing 18 pounds, now sits alongside powerful electric water guns as a top Father's Day backyard upgrade.

Rick Donovan· May 31· 2 min
An Amtrak train stopped on a foggy track with the US Capitol building in the distant background, symbolizing proposed funding cuts.

House Bill Proposes Amtrak Funding Cuts, Threatening Service

A House appropriations subcommittee proposes significant cuts to Amtrak's funding for fiscal year 2027.

Rick Donovan· May 30· 2 min