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

Illinois Begins $164 Million Project to Replace I-80 Bridges
Illinois has just broken ground on the final phase of a $1.

GISI Consulting Group plans to hire 1,000 by 2026 using AI
GISI Consulting Group plans to hire 1,000 new project managers and leaders by the end of 2026, even as it aims to equip all 10,000 employees with AI tools, according to Construction Dive .

Trump's Team Scraps Biden's Landmark AI Order Amid Policy Shift
Donald Trump's team quietly called off a landmark Biden-era executive order intended to regulate artificial intelligence this week, just 18 months after its initial signing.

Wayfair's Massive Memorial Day Clearance on Furniture & Decor
During Wayfair's Memorial Day Clearance, discounts on furniture and decor can reach an astonishing 84 percent off, according to Southern Living .

Zero Turn, Riding, or Electric Mower: Which is Right?
The Ego Power+ T6 Riding Mower silently tackles a half-acre yard on a single charge, signaling a quiet revolution in lawn care that challenges the roar of traditional gas engines.

Halmar Skanska Partnership to Lead New York Penn Station Renovation
The $8 billion renovation of New York Penn Station, a project discussed for decades, now has a master developer, Penn Transformation Partners.

Ranger Leverless Auto Bead Lifter Tool Automates Tire Service
Facing an aging workforce and high turnover, tire service shops can now eliminate the strenuous manual labor of bead lifting.

Eighteen Startups Test New Tech for NY Transit Systems
More than half of the 18 companies selected for New York's latest Transit Tech Lab cohort are deploying AI or autonomous technologies.

House Committee Introduces BUILD AMERICA 250 Act for Transportation
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee proposes boosting annual bridge funding by $3.

UK sees surge in skilled trades education amid AI fears
Enrollment in UK plumbing and electrical courses surged by 40% last year, according to UK colleges.

AI prompts white collar workers to switch to skilled trades
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared AI is ushering in a new industrial era, making it "a time for electricians, plumbers, iron workers, technicians, and builders," according to MoneyWise .

Adelaide Careers Expo Showcases Skilled Trades Vocational Training
At the Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo, students aren't just browsing brochures.

South Africa Opens New TVET Campus for Skilled Trades
In Mpumalanga Province, the new Gert Sibande TVET College 4IR LAB is now open, directly linking South African youth to future-ready technical skills crucial for the digital economy.

Milwaukee Tool announces Bring Back the Trades grants for 2026
Despite urgent national demand for skilled trades workers, Milwaukee Tool's new 'Bring Back the Trades' grant program, offering up to $1,500 in tool kits monthly, won't award grants until April 2026,

Skills Competitions Showcase Vocational Careers in Skilled Trades
In a sprawling 1.79 million square feet at the Georgia World Congress Center, over 6,700 state champions recently converged to compete in 114 skilled and leadership competitions. This event spotlights

SMAW welding: Is it still a tradesman's best bet?
The electric arc in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) can reach temperatures exceeding 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, an intense heat that instantly melts metal for a weld.

Vocational Training Struggles with Tech Amidst Skills Chasm
By 2030, 2.1 million skilled trade jobs are projected to remain unfilled, a deficit that could cost the economy $1 trillion annually, even as AI and robots begin to reshape these very roles. This stag

Residential HVAC Maintenance: Maximize Life and Savings
Improper installation alone can increase a household's energy use for space heating and cooling by approximately 30 percent, turning an efficient HVAC unit into a hidden money drain.

Gen Z Trades Up: Office Jobs Fade as Skilled Careers Surge
A staggering 72% of young office workers are now considering a switch to skilled trades, signaling a profound re-evaluation of career paths among Gen Z.

Plumbing System Costs in 2026
In 2026, a standard plumbing service call can cost anywhere from $75 to $300 before any work even begins, with emergency rates soaring to $400 per hour, according to Serviceagent .

Electrical Wiring Safety Protocols and Techniques
Running a single extension cord in your home can create multiple points where cords can kink, short out, or get pinched, potentially leading to tripped breakers, damaged outlets, or even fire.

How Advanced HVAC Refrigerant Management Works: A Complete Guide
Understanding advanced HVAC refrigerant management is crucial for modern technicians. This guide breaks down what you need to know to handle refrigerants safely, efficiently, and legally.

How Electrical Grounding and Bonding Works: A Complete Guide
Electrical grounding and bonding are critical safety systems that protect against shock, equipment damage, and fire. This guide clarifies their distinct roles and provides a comprehensive overview of their implementation according to the National Electrical Code.

Advanced HVAC System Diagnostics: A Complete Guide to Troubleshooting Techniques
Advanced HVAC system diagnostics is no longer a luxury for technicians—it's a necessity. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting, ensuring accurate and efficient repairs.

A Comprehensive Guide to Welding Techniques and Applications
Welding is the powerful, precise art of fusing metal, essential for modern construction, manufacturing, and repair. This guide breaks down Stick, MIG, and TIG techniques, their applications, and critical safety.

How Smart Home Devices Integrate with Traditional HVAC and Electrical Systems
For tradespeople, understanding how smart home devices integrate with traditional HVAC and electrical systems is now a core competency. This guide explores the essentials of connecting modern technology with legacy infrastructure.

What Is an HVAC System? A Comprehensive Guide for Residential and Commercial Applications
Understanding what an HVAC system is, from its core components to its proper installation, is crucial for any property owner. This guide breaks down the essentials for both residential and commercial applications.

Mentorship programs are key to closing the skilled trades gap by 2026.
In 2018, Bill 47 shifted the journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio from 3:1 to 1:1, dramatically expanding apprenticeship capacity nationwide.

Women in Skilled Trades Face Stalled Leadership, Despite Gains
In 2024, tradeswomen in construction and extraction occupations reached 366,360, the highest percentage since 2015, according to Manufacturers Alliance .

Meta's New Academy Trains for Data Center Tech Jobs
In 2026, Meta is committing $115 million to provide free training, including tuition, housing, and a daily stipend, for a five-week program with a guaranteed job upon completion, according to...