Trades
News and information for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
AI infrastructure boom creates specialized construction trades demand
Data center construction recorded a net optimism reading of 57 percent among contractors, even as national nonresidential construction spending slid 1.
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
An HVAC system controls indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality for comfort and health in buildings. Understanding its components, types, and selection factors is crucial for residential and commercial applications.
MIG vs. TIG vs. Stick vs. Flux-Cored: A Guide to Selecting the Best Welder
This guide compares MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored welding processes, detailing their advantages and trade-offs. It helps you select the ideal method based on project needs like material type, thickness, and work environment.
AI hiring platforms are already connecting tradespeople, but the real work starts now.
A plumber in rural Ohio, whose hands are calloused from years of pipefitting, now finds his next job not through a local network, but through an AI algorithm that matched him with a client 200 miles a
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.
Apprenticeship starts in England hit 353,500, but completion rates lag.
Apprenticeship starts in England reached 353,500 in 2024/25, with 761,500 participants, reflecting efforts to address skilled labor shortages.
Ethical AI in skilled trades training: Challenges and future
The U.S. faces a daunting shortage of 500,000 skilled trade workers, a gap projected to widen with AI's rise. Yet, the very AI tools designed to fill these roles are introducing biases and privacy ris
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.
US government funding vocational training to combat 2026 skilled trades shortage.
As of July 1, federal Workforce Pell Grants are now available for eligible short-term training programs.
Skilled Trades vs. University Degrees: The Workforce Development Shift Is Happening Now
New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 can expect a total starting package of $57 an hour.
Mentorship bridges generational gap in skilled trades, securing future workforce.
Only 38% of Gen Z respondents see skilled trades as offering the best job prospects today.
Meta's America's Workforce Academy Trains Tradespeople for New Tech
In its first seven days, Meta and CBRE's LevelUp fiber technician training program received 35,000 applications for just 1,000 openings.
Meta's $115M Boost for Skilled Trades Addresses Specific Shortages
In just seven days, Meta and CBRE's LevelUp fiber technician training program received 35,000 applications for only 1,000 openings, underscoring an overwhelming demand for skilled trades training tied
Skilled trades surge in popularity for young people seeking secure careers.
In a striking reversal of long-held career aspirations, 76% of surveyed individuals now find skilled trades appealing, signaling a profound shift in how younger generations view work.
Skilled Trades Need 2.1 Million Workers by 2030. Attracting Talent in 2026 is Key.
Last year, nearly 600,000 jobs were posted for major skilled trades positions, yet only about 150,000 new workers entered the labor pool through apprenticeship programs.
Woodworking skills shortage threatens future projects
In 2023, hiring a single worker in the woodworking industry required 32% more job postings than in 2019, according to TradeandIndustryDev .
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...