Rick Donovan
Trades Editor
Rick Donovan brings over 15 years of experience in the trades to his role as Trades Editor at AllTradesJournal. Before joining the publication, Rick worked as a lead carpenter for a regional construction firm, where he oversaw numerous residential and commercial projects. He also holds certifications in welding and HVAC, giving him a broad understanding of various trade disciplines. Rick's practical experience and commitment to quality reporting make him a trusted voice for professionals and enthusiasts in the trades.
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Latest Articles
NEFBA apprenticeship program shows strong success
In 2023, every graduate from the NEFBA apprenticeship program attained NCCER industry credentials, according to www-bths.
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read
AI in Skilled Trades: Navigating Ethical Frontiers
A master electrician in rural Iowa now uses an AI-powered diagnostic tool that identifies complex wiring faults in minutes, a task that once took hours of specialized human expertise and multiple site
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read
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 .
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Future Builders Offers Free Skilled Trades Training for Middle Schoolers
Springfield's new 'Future Builders' initiative launched last week, offering free after-school training in plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC to students aged 11-14.
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read
AI's Data Center Boom Sparks Urgent Need for Skilled Trades
At a new hyperscale data center in rural Ohio, project managers offer six-figure salaries and signing bonuses for electricians and HVAC technicians.
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Proactive maintenance: Essential to prevent billions in downtime
Unplanned equipment downtime costs the average manufacturing facility approximately $260,000 per hour, a figure that can quickly cripple operations.
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Cape Breton nursing home workers strike halts construction
Construction on the new $115 million, 144-bed Northside Community Guest Home in Sydney Mines has ground to a halt.
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
NYC Building Worker Strike Threatens Buildings, Projects
More than 3,300 residential buildings in New York City face immediate disruption as 34,000 building workers threaten to strike over wages and healthcare.
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Smart Tools' Efficiency Hindered by High Costs
A single smart construction dashboard can cost a company with 100 users $90,000 annually, often without including hidden setup fees.
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
German heavy-duty tape measure market trends see digital surge
Last year, sales of digital-readout tape measures in Germany surged by 15%.
May 13, 2026 · 3 min read
Green Building Performance Lags Despite Data, But Post-Occupancy Insights Promise Change
A hospital deconstruction project in Boulder successfully recovered 93% of its materials, totaling 30 million pounds, marking a significant departure from traditional demolition practices.
May 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Cleaning services market sees growth, automation
Shanghai Pudong International Airport slashed its cleaning labor costs by 60% after deploying 50 Gausium cleaning robots, signaling a significant transformation in the traditionally labor-intensive cl
May 13, 2026 · 6 min read
Self-Paced E-Learning Accelerates Skilled Trades Training for 2026
On May 11, 2026, Amicus O&M Cooperative launched a 30-hour online program to rapidly certify solar PV and BESS O&M technicians, reports IndexBox .
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Tank Cleaning Service Market Growth Analysis: Conflicting Forecasts Emerge
The global tank cleaning service market, projected to reach up to $21.
May 12, 2026 · 4 min read
Robotics Streamline K-12 School Maintenance and Cleaning Operations
The Maplewood School District recently deployed 15 autonomous floor-scrubbing robots across its 7 elementary schools, a significant investment that could redefine school maintenance practices nationwi
May 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Wyoming National Guard Builds Homes with Habitat for Humanity
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, soldiers from the National Guard's 307th Engineer Utilities Detachment are not on a combat mission.
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Vocational training initiatives face skilled labor shortage
77% of manufacturers report difficulties attracting and retaining workers, highlighting a pervasive struggle across the industry.
May 11, 2026 · 6 min read
Where to Buy Refurbished Ryobi Tools
Direct Tools Outlet, the official factory outlet for Ryobi, reported a 30% surge in refurbished tool sales during the first quarter of 2024, signaling a significant shift in how consumers are equippin
May 11, 2026 · 4 min read
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
May 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Heat pump installations surge, driving major HVAC industry transformation
In March 2026, heat pumps officially outsold combined warm-air furnaces across the United States, marking a historic turning point for home heating.
May 10, 2026 · 5 min read