Rick Donovan
Trades Editor
As the Trades Editor for AllTradesJournal, Rick Donovan reports on construction tech, tool innovation, and safety standards across the trades. His coverage spans essential topics like welding, HVAC, plumbing, and automotive services, providing readers with actionable industry insights. Rick approaches his writing with a commitment to demystifying complex techniques and highlighting the latest practices for professionals and DIYers alike.
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Latest Articles
The Green Shift: How Eco-Friendly Practices Are Redefining Cleaning Services
Customers hiring professional cleaning services now demand granular data on fuel consumption, water use, waste diversion, and employee retention, moving beyond vague green promises.
Aug 12, 2026 · 2 min read
High-pressure vehicle cleaning market: Robust growth, tech-driven
The global high-pressure vehicle cleaning service market, often dismissed as a mundane chore, was valued at $35.
Aug 12, 2026 · 3 min read
South Korea Aims for 20th WorldSkills Title in Shanghai
Park Min-hyeok, a 21-year-old cloud computing competitor for South Korea, trains up to 14 hours a day in pursuit of a gold medal at the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai Competition.
Aug 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Hot Work Safety: Risks, Prevention, and Protocols
Hot work—welding, cutting, brazing—is a leading cause of worker death in incidents investigated by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) .
Aug 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Philadelphia Airport delays flights amid equipment outage
The New York area operates with only 57% of its target air traffic controller staff, a critical factor in FAA ground stops at eight major Northeast airports in 2026.
Aug 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Victoria ISD's CTE program builds skilled trades pipeline
During the 2025-26 school year, Victoria ISD students earned 1,184 industry-based certifications, establishing a robust pipeline for skilled trades.
Aug 9, 2026 · 3 min read
InstaService launches nationwide marketplace for home services
Starting next Monday, a single app will connect 300 million Americans to plumbers, electricians, and cleaners, as InstaService completes its nationwide rollout.
Aug 8, 2026 · 3 min read
July jobs slump: Skilled trades face deeper chill
In July, the US economy added a mere 187,000 jobs.
Aug 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Lowe's Foundation Invests $34 Million in Skilled Trades Training
Since 2023, the Lowe's Foundation has poured over $34 million into Gable Grants, spearheading a national effort to rebuild America's skilled trades workforce.
Aug 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Trades Adapt to Growing Green Building Market
The green building materials market expanded from $369.
Aug 8, 2026 · 4 min read
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.
Aug 7, 2026 · 2 min read
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.
Aug 7, 2026 · 2 min read
AI agent speeds PLC programming, but engineers still manage its work
At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in China, Siemens unveiled its Eigen Engineering Agent.
Aug 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Metallica's foundation invests millions in skilled trades training
In its eighth year, Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation is investing over $3.
Aug 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Construction Equipment Rental Demand Soars Amidst AI and Policy Shifts
EquipmentShare, a major player in construction rentals, recently authorized a massive $500 million stock buyback, signaling deep confidence in the sector's future.
Aug 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Universal Orlando Passes Face Rising Costs, Strategy Shifts
Universal Orlando has quietly removed Express-inclusive versions of its multi-night Fear Passes for Halloween Horror Nights 35, signaling a potential shift in premium access strategy across the brand.
Aug 5, 2026 · 4 min read
Nvidia CEO: AI boom creates six-figure jobs for skilled trades
Jacob Palmer, an electrician, grossed nearly $90,000 in 2024 and is projected to hit six figures in 2025, according to fortune.
Aug 5, 2026 · 3 min read
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 .
Aug 5, 2026 · 5 min read
DoorDash wins FAA approval for drone delivery expansion
Just weeks after receiving FAA approval on July 30, 2026, DoorDash began delivering restaurant orders via drone in select suburban areas.
Aug 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Top 6 Small Business CRM Software Starting at $25/User Monthly
For just $25 per user per month, a small business can access Salesforce's Starter Suite, a platform designed to grow with their company, while Zoho offers a completely free option for up to three user
Aug 4, 2026 · 4 min read