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Young women actively engaged in learning and practicing various skilled trades in a modern workshop setting, showcasing empowerment and skill acquisition.
Trades

Riverside School Board Launches Jill of All Trades Initiative

In Pakistan's Tharparkar region, 50 girls are now learning graphic design and embroidery, part of a global surge in initiatives aiming to equip young people with practical skills, according to The Fri

Rick Donovan·Apr 17
Diverse group of Nigerian artisans participating in a nationwide training program, learning construction and trade skills with focus and determination.
Trades

Nigeria Plans Nationwide Artisan Training Program for 100,000

A new nationwide program aims to train 100,000 construction artisans, but its official launch is nearly two years away, on April 21, 2026.

Rick Donovan·Apr 17
Nigerian artisans participating in a large-scale training program, learning construction skills to address national labor gaps.
Industry

Nigeria to Launch Multiple Artisan Training Programs

Nigeria will launch at least three major initiatives to train millions of construction artisans.

Ben Foster·Apr 17
Skilled tradespeople working diligently on a factory floor during a period of declining US industrial production, emphasizing their crucial role in economic stability.
Industry

US industrial production dip impacts skilled trades and market stability

In March, US manufacturing output fell 0.

Ben Foster·Apr 17
A FieldAI robot dog autonomously scans a construction site, demonstrating the integration of advanced robotics and human labor in the building industry.
Industry

Autonomous Machines Tackle Construction's Labor Gap, Reshaping the Building Industry

On a typical construction site, a robot dog from FieldAI recently walked over 100 miles, collected over 45,000 photos, and mapped four floors of a building.

Rick Donovan·Apr 16
Diverse entrepreneurs networking and showcasing at a vibrant local business expo, symbolizing community commerce and economic growth.
Services

Local Businesses Expand Offerings, Recent Expo Showcases Growth

A program in Washington D.

Rick Donovan·Apr 16
Diverse students participating in hands-on training at a state-of-the-art trade school, symbolizing the future of skilled labor.
Trades

Diverse 2026 Trade School Initiatives for Workforce Development

California alone is deploying $37.

Rick Donovan·Apr 16
Firefighters in Massachusetts proudly display new extrication tools and safety equipment received through state grants.
Tools & Equipment

US Fire Departments Receive State Grants for Extrication Tools

In 2026, 307 fire departments across Massachusetts will share $5 million in state grants for new safety equipment.

Kyle Brenner·Apr 16
Students actively learning HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades inside a modern, well-lit Pima Community College Building and Construction Technology Center.
Trades

Pima Community College Plans 2026 Opening for New Tech Center

Pima Community College's new 25,000-square-foot Building and Construction Technology Center, funded in part by over $1.

Rick Donovan·Apr 15
A high-tech tool manufacturing factory floor with robots, technicians, and digital data overlays, showcasing smart factory IoT integration.
Industry

Smart factory IoT adoption surges for tool manufacturers

By 2034, the global Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing market is projected to reach an astounding $172.

Rick Donovan·Apr 15
Students training in a large, modern Pima Community College trades lab with new equipment, symbolizing expanded educational opportunities in skilled trades.
Trades

Pima Community College opens $1.2M expanded lab April 14, 2026

Pima Community College's Building and Construction Technology program is expanding its lab tenfold, from 2,500 to 25,000 square feet.

Rick Donovan·Apr 15
What Extreme Aerial Productions Drone Roof Inspections Add to a Roofing Estimate
Services

What Extreme Aerial Productions Drone Roof Inspections Add to a Roofing Estimate

Extreme Aerial Productions' drone roof inspections provide high-resolution photography and video, offering a clear visual record for complex roofs. This enhances roofing estimates by improving clarity, aiding measurements, and facilitating communication among all stakeholders.

Sponsored by Extreme Aerial Productions·Aug 10
High school students enthusiastically participating in hands-on skilled trades demonstrations at the BC Skills event in Abbotsford.
Trades

BC Skills event Abbotsford boosts vocational careers in skilled trades

Last year, over 5,000 students in Abbotsford attended a single event showcasing welding, carpentry, and culinary arts, far exceeding expectations for vocational career interest.

Rick Donovan·Apr 14
Futuristic robotic lawn mower autonomously maintaining a large, pristine lawn at sunrise, showcasing advanced outdoor power equipment trends.
Services

Robots Mow Lawns: Outdoor Power Trends 2026

The Segway Navimow X390, an example of emerging electric and robotic outdoor power equipment trends for 2026, autonomously manages up to 2.

Kyle Brenner·Apr 14
A high-precision 10-inch sliding compound miter saw making an accurate cut on hardwood in a well-lit workshop.
Projects

Find Your Ideal 10-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw

An independent lab test revealed the Metabo HPT C10FSHC, a 10-inch sliding compound miter saw under $400, achieved 0.

Scott Ramirez·Apr 13
Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison's $250 million investment strategy balancing advanced AI technology with the critical need for skilled tradespeople in construction and home improvement.
Trades

Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison bets $250M on AI and human skills

Despite investing in artificial intelligence to boost sales and productivity, Lowe's commits $250 million over the next decade.

Rick Donovan·Apr 13
Split image showing a futuristic AI interface and a skilled tradesperson working, symbolizing the balance between technology and human expertise in the modern workforce.
Trades

Lowe's $250M for 250K Workers: Valuing Skills Amid AI Growth

Lowe's is committing a quarter of a billion dollars over the next decade to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople.

Rick Donovan·Apr 13
A futuristic factory floor with AI visualizing data streams between interconnected machinery and smart tools, representing the growth of Industrial IoT.
Tools & Equipment

Industrial IoT Poised for Trillion-Dollar Growth Fueled by AI

Europe's Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing market is projected to explode from an estimated USD 1.

Kyle Brenner·Apr 13
Split image showing a robot arm and a skilled tradesperson, symbolizing the contrast between AI and human expertise in the trades.
Trades

Lowe's Invests $250M in Skilled Trades Amid AI Limitations

Lowe's is committing a quarter-billion dollars over the next decade to train 250,000 plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.

Rick Donovan·Apr 13
A powerful circular saw cutting through wood with precision, showcasing woodworking craftsmanship and tool performance.
Projects

Find the best circular saws for woodworking precision and power

While the Skil SPT77WML-01 boasts a formidable 2.

Rick Donovan·Apr 12
Diverse group of workers learning plumbing, carpentry, and electrical skills in a modern training facility, symbolizing Lowe's $250M investment in skilled trades.
Trades

Lowe's invests $250M to train 250,000 workers in skilled trades

Over the next decade, Lowe's plans to spend $250 million to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople, a number equivalent to nearly 80% of its current workforce, according to Black Enterprise .

Rick Donovan·Apr 12
A modern laser level receiver on a construction site, accurately detecting a laser beam for superior precision in building projects.
Tools & Equipment

Laser Level Receivers: The New Standard for Superior Accuracy

A new 'Quantum-Sense' laser level receiver detects a laser beam from 1,000 feet away with 0.

Kyle Brenner·Apr 12
Professional landscaper using a powerful electric trimmer and blower combo in a modern garden, highlighting advanced landscaping technology.
Services

Top Electric Trimmer and Blower Combos Redefine Landscaping in 2026

A top-tier electric string trimmer kit alone commands nearly $1,000, including two 5.

Kyle Brenner·Apr 12
Split image showing a modern AI data center and skilled tradespeople learning carpentry and plumbing, symbolizing Lowe's investment.
Trades

Lowe's Pledges $250 Million for Skilled Trades Training

A Wisconsin town recently restricted AI data centers, while Lowe's is investing $250 million over the next decade to train 250,000 skilled trades professionals.

Rick Donovan·Apr 12