Section

Trades

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

Comparison of MIG welding and Stick welding processes, showing the distinct arcs, sparks, and operational styles of each technique in a workshop setting.

MIG vs. Stick Welding: Understanding Their Trade-offs

A portable welding machine like the HITBOX ARC200mini3, weighing just 2.

Rick Donovan· Jun 21· 3 min

A modern thermostat in a living room, with glowing lines suggesting an HVAC system diagnostic scan in progress, highlighting efficiency.

How HVAC System Diagnostics Work: Common Issues & Best Practices

A total of 443,308 daily fault records were collected across residential HVAC systems, according to Energy .

Rick Donovan· May 15· 3 min

Homeowner performing a DIY plumbing check on a toilet base, looking for signs of leaks and potential subfloor damage.

DIY Plumbing Checks: Improve System Health, Prevent Issues

A toilet that wobbles more than half an inch is not just a minor inconvenience; it signals a potential water leak that could lead to extensive subfloor damage.

Rick Donovan· May 4· 3 min

UK Gen Z youth choosing skilled trades over university degrees due to AI job market concerns, showcasing hands-on work.

UK youth shun degrees for skilled trades amid AI job fears.

Despite graduates earning £11,500 more annually than non-graduates, a surprising 37% of UK Gen Z workers with degrees are shifting to blue-collar and skilled trade jobs.

Rick Donovan· Aug 26· 2 min

Students learning practical skills like HVAC repair and welding in a well-equipped trade school workshop, preparing for high-demand jobs.

Local trade schools are key to economic growth.

At Chattahoochee Technical College, many students secure employment in high-demand fields like HVAC before completing coursework, proving the immediate value of practical education.

Rick Donovan· Aug 7· 2 min

A busy trade show floor at InstallerSHOW 2026, featuring the Kitchen Fitter Arena with Howdens branding, showcasing collaboration among various tradespeople.

InstallerSHOW 2026: Howdens Partners With Kitchen Fitter Arena

For the first time, InstallerSHOW 2026 will co-locate the Professional Woodworking Expo and the Painting & Decorating Show.

Rick Donovan· Jul 5· 2 min

Diverse group of trainees learning electrical skills in a modern, well-lit facility, symbolizing opportunity in skilled trades.

Siemens Foundation Aims for 25,000 NC Skilled Workers, Boosting Access

The Siemens Foundation is investing $9.25 million to launch Careers Electric™ in North Carolina, aiming to train 25,000 people for energy and infrastructure jobs within a decade.

Ben Foster· May 6· 2 min

Split image showing AI robots in a sterile office contrasted with skilled tradespeople working in a warm workshop, representing job market shifts.

AI disrupts white-collar jobs, skilled trades offer stability

A McKinsey study projects that up to 50% of all entry-level white-collar jobs could be disrupted by artificial intelligence within the next five years, fundamentally redirecting career aspirations for

Ben Foster· Apr 29· 2 min

Young person contemplating career choices between university and skilled trades, with rising blue-collar wages as a factor.

Blue-collar wages surge, making degrees a riskier path for young people

Between 2019 and 2024, real hourly wages for the lowest-paid 10% of US workers jumped by 15.

Rick Donovan· Apr 23· 2 min

Robotics technician working with advanced AI and machinery, symbolizing new opportunities in skilled trades created by technological advancement.

AI Won't Replace Skilled Trades—It Will Create New Opportunities.

Demand for robotics technicians has spiked an astonishing 107% since late 2022.

Rick Donovan· Apr 14· 2 min