Trades
News and information for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Top 8 Emerging Technologies Revolutionizing Plumbing
In 2,306 homes, a single smart water shutoff system slashed paid water damage claims by an astonishing 96%, according to Western Rooter .
Top Smart Home Devices for Trades Professionals
A single smart thermostat installation can yield a 40% profit margin for an electrician.
Top 5 Cordless Impact Drivers for Professional Carpenters
In recent independent tests, the Flex 24V ¼-inch hex impact driver edged out Milwaukee's top model by a tenth of a second in RSS screw tests.
Comparing 4 Top Welding Techniques: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Best Uses
Choosing the right welding technique is crucial for project success, as each method offers unique strengths and weaknesses. This guide breaks down MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored welding to help you select the ideal process for your specific needs.
Mentorship Programs Crucial for Canada's Retiring Tradespeople
By the end of this decade, Canada alone projects 700,000 skilled trades workers will retire, creating a massive void that current training pipelines are struggling to fill.
Mentorship Programs are Key to Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap by 2026
Despite a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, 35 percent of middle and high school parents believe vocational programs are only for 'high-achieving' students, revealing a deep-seated percepti
Skilled trades education is key to Ontario's 2026 economic stability.
Ontario's economy is bleeding $24 billion annually due to a critical shortage of skilled trades workers.
Canada's $6B Skilled Trades Plan Faces Diversity Gap Despite Growth
Canada has committed an unprecedented $6 billion to recruit 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled trades workers, yet women still comprise only 14% of registered apprentices in 2023.
Lowe's: Investing in trades, leveraging AI for efficiency
Lowe's is pouring $250 million into training 250,000 skilled tradespeople over the next decade, a significant investment in human capital.
Beyond the Press Release: Why Large Private Sector Investments Are Crucial for Trades
Lowe's recent $250 million investment to train 250,000 tradespeople is a critical model for how large private sector capital can sustainably address the nation's escalating skilled trades gap, vital for economic growth and infrastructure development.
Lowe's $250M Is a Start, But Government Incentives and Education Reform Must Fix the Skilled Trades Shortage
While corporate investment like the Lowe's Foundation's $250 million is a welcome step, it cannot single-handedly solve the skilled trades shortage; a comprehensive solution requires robust government incentives and fundamental educational reforms.
Modernizing Vocational Training Isn't a Choice; It's an Economic Imperative
The persistent skilled trades gap is a current crisis. Modernizing vocational training and expanding apprenticeships are essential to rebuild the talent pipeline and secure our economic future.
The Trades Are Calling: We Must Innovate Vocational Training and Apprenticeships Now
The future of our national infrastructure hinges on a robust pipeline of skilled trades professionals. To secure it, we must commit to innovating vocational training and apprenticeships now.
High Schools Are Failing Students By Ignoring Vocational Training and Apprenticeships
High schools are failing students by pushing only four-year degrees, ignoring the critical need for vocational training and apprenticeships. This oversight exacerbates the skilled trades gap and leaves students unprepared for lucrative careers.
The Skilled Trades Crisis Has One Obvious Fix We Keep Ignoring
The persistent skilled trades labor shortage demands a renewed focus on vocational training and apprenticeships, the most direct and effective solution we have systematically devalued for decades.
Our Outdated Apprenticeship Programs Are Failing The Next Generation of Trades
To solve the critical skilled trades shortage, we must fundamentally overhaul our approach by modernizing apprenticeship programs. A new framework integrating early education, standardized certifications, and robust public-private partnerships is the only viable path forward.
Vocational Training and Apprenticeships Are the Only Real Fix for the Skilled Trades Gap
The United States faces a widening skilled trades gap, threatening economic stability and critical infrastructure. Reinvesting in vocational training and apprenticeships is the most direct, proven, and sustainable solution to this national crisis.
Progressive Capitalism's Plan for Trades: A Grand Vision Missing a Practical Blueprint
Progressive capitalism presents an ambitious vision for the American economy, but its proposals for skilled trades are a mix of promising goals and frustratingly vague strategies. This article examines the significant gap between political ambition and the realities of running a contracting business or working a job site.
Canada's women in skilled trades inclusivity strategies are failing.
Despite a 2018 federal budget allocation of $20 million over five years for women in trades, the overall representation of women in Canadian trades has barely budged, increasing from 3.
Ontario, federal programs offer business, worker support
While a new Ontario program aims to place 250 people from underrepresented groups into skilled trades, the province's existing Employment Ontario services already supported over 693,000 Ontarians in t
Ontario invests $2.1M in new tech for forest sector innovation
Ontario is pouring over $2.
Delaware County Community College seeks skilled trades instructors
Delaware County Community College is pushing to bolster its skilled trades programs across four key locations, calling for instructors with a decade or more in their craft and availability for both da
Organizations Expand Trades Training to Meet Skilled Labor Demand
Since 2018, The Home Depot Foundation's partnerships alone have certified over 70,000 participants in skilled trades, highlighting a massive, accelerating push to fill critical labor gaps.
Michigan's economic boom fuels urgent demand for skilled trades
New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 start with a $57 an hour package, including upward mobility and guaranteed pensions, according to The Detroit News .
County Grant Funds Freeport Armory Conversion to Trade School
Nassau County has awarded a $300,000 grant to Freeport, initiating the transformation of its historic armory into a new trade school.
Lowe's Foundation Grants $1M to Houston Community College for Skilled Trades
Houston Community College secured a $1 million grant from the Lowe's Foundation, part of nearly $8 million distributed to 10 community and technical colleges.
Lowe's Foundation adds $8M to skilled trades training grants
In a single announcement, Lowe's Foundation just committed nearly $8 million to train the next generation of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, bringing its total investment in skilled trades edu
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.
Blue-collar trades offer six-figure earnings potential in Australia
Skilled tradespeople in Australia can earn over A$120,000 annually, a figure competitive with many white-collar salaries, reports Whalesbook .
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.