Skilled Trades

30 articles

Diverse trainees engaged in hands-on fiber optic installation training, highlighting Meta's program addressing the skilled trades shortage with high demand.
Industry

Meta's Program Addresses Skilled Trades Shortage

In just seven days, Meta's Level-Up fiber installation training program received an astonishing 35,000 applications.

Scott Ramirez·August 16, 2026
Diverse group of tradeswomen working on a construction site, showcasing increased female participation in skilled trades.
Trades

Tradeswomen Surge: Women Reshaping Construction & Skilled Trades

The number of tradeswomen in construction and extraction occupations surged by 77.

Rick Donovan·August 15, 2026
Diverse group of trainees learning carpentry, electrical, and welding skills in a modern vocational training center, symbolizing workforce development.
Trades

Organizations Expand Trades Training to Meet Skilled Labor Demand

Since 2018, The Home Depot Foundation's partnerships alone have certified over 70,000 participants in skilled trades, highlighting a massive, accelerating push to fill critical labor gaps.

Rick Donovan·August 14, 2026
Robotics technician collaborating with advanced robotic arms in a high-tech workshop, showcasing AI's role in skilled trades.
Industry

AI in skilled trades: New opportunities, not just jobs lost

Since late 2022, demand for robotics technicians has spiked an astonishing 107%, directly contradicting the widespread fear that AI would eliminate manual jobs.

Ben Foster·August 14, 2026
Skilled trades workers on a busy construction site in Michigan, symbolizing the state's economic boom and high demand for their expertise.
Trades

Michigan's economic boom fuels urgent demand for skilled trades

New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 start with a $57 an hour package, including upward mobility and guaranteed pensions, according to The Detroit News .

Rick Donovan·August 13, 2026
Tradespeople learning advanced fiber optic technology in a modern, high-tech training facility, showcasing Meta's commitment to workforce development.
Trades

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.

Rick Donovan·August 13, 2026
Diverse high school students learning and practicing welding, carpentry, and electrical skills in a well-equipped CTE workshop, representing a strong future in skilled trades.
Trades

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.

Rick Donovan·August 9, 2026
A solitary construction worker on a job site, looking contemplative amidst a backdrop of unfinished buildings and a chilly atmosphere, symbolizing the impact of the July jobs slump on skilled trades.
Industry

July jobs slump: Skilled trades face deeper chill

In July, the US economy added a mere 187,000 jobs.

Rick Donovan·August 8, 2026
Diverse individuals learning skilled trades like carpentry and electrical work in a well-lit, modern training facility, symbolizing workforce development.
Trades

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.

Rick Donovan·August 8, 2026
Hopewell High School students learning with advanced, industry-standard vocational tools and equipment in a bright, modern workshop.
Tools & Equipment

Hopewell High Invests $1.2M in Vocational Tool Kits

For years, Hopewell High School's welding students learned on equipment older than their parents.

Kyle Brenner·August 7, 2026
Young adults learning welding and carpentry skills in a well-equipped vocational training workshop, supported by Metallica's foundation.
Trades

Metallica's foundation invests millions in skilled trades training

In its eighth year, Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation is investing over $3.

Rick Donovan·August 6, 2026
Skilled trades workers collaborating with AI technology on a construction site, showcasing a future of augmented work and economic resilience.
Industry

AI Training for Trades Workers: A Path to Economic Resilience

Microsoft and the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) offer free AI literacy courses and credentials to millions of skilled trades workers across North America.

Ben Foster·August 6, 2026
Skilled tradesperson working in a high-tech AI data center, highlighting job opportunities created by the AI boom.
Trades

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.

Rick Donovan·August 5, 2026
Gen Z students training in a high-tech workshop, learning skilled trades with AI integration, preparing for future careers.
Industry

AI Automation's Impact on Skilled Trades Training 2026 Is Not What You Think

Gen Z is increasingly turning to trade schools to future-proof their careers against AI, a trend reported by The New York Times .

Ben Foster·August 4, 2026
Teenagers participating in paid skilled trades apprenticeships, learning carpentry, electrical, and plumbing with guidance from mentors.
Trades

Youth Apprenticeships Offer Paid Experience in Skilled Trades

In Nashville, youth as young as 14 can earn $12/hour through paid work experience programs in skilled trades, marking a significant development for early career entry.

Rick Donovan·August 3, 2026
Robotic arms and human tradespeople collaborating in a futuristic workshop, symbolizing AI integration in skilled trades with digital interfaces.
Industry

AI automation impact on skilled trades future is here, Meta invests $115M

Meta's Level-Up fiber installation training program received 35,000 applications in just seven days, according to About Fb .

Rick Donovan·August 2, 2026
Split image: homeowner frustrated with DIY, contrasted with a skilled tradesperson efficiently working on a home renovation project.
How-To

DIY projects collaboration with skilled trades will boost home renovation savings

Insurance claims related to DIY errors surged by 25% over the last five years, costing homeowners an average of $3,000 per incident, according to the Insurance Industry Report, 2024 .

Scott Ramirez·August 2, 2026
Students learning skilled trades such as carpentry and electrical work in a modern, sunlit college workshop, representing the impact of the Lowe's Foundation grant.
Trades

Lowe's Foundation Grants $1 Million to Houston Community College

The Lowe's Foundation just awarded nearly $8 million in grants to 10 community and technical colleges, including a $1 million grant to Houston Community College.

Rick Donovan·August 1, 2026
Diverse individuals actively engaged in hands-on fiber optic technician training, highlighting Meta's investment in skilled trades.
Trades

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

Rick Donovan·August 1, 2026
Students learning electrical, HVAC, and plumbing skills in a modern workshop, funded by the Lowe's Foundation grant.
Trades

Lowe's Foundation Grants $1M to Houston Community College for Skilled Trades

Houston Community College secured a $1 million grant from the Lowe's Foundation, part of nearly $8 million distributed to 10 community and technical colleges.

Rick Donovan·July 31, 2026
Young apprentices learning electrical, plumbing, and carpentry skills in a modern training facility, supported by Lowe's Foundation grants.
Trades

Lowe's Foundation adds $8M to skilled trades training grants

In a single announcement, Lowe's Foundation just committed nearly $8 million to train the next generation of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, bringing its total investment in skilled trades edu

Rick Donovan·July 30, 2026
Diverse group of young adults working enthusiastically in skilled trades on a modern construction site, representing the surge in CSCS card applications.
Trades

Young people drive surge in CSCS card applications

Nearly one in five new CSCS Alliance cards, essential for UK site access, went to under-25s in 2025.

Rick Donovan·July 21, 2026
A homeowner attempting a complex DIY electrical repair in a cluttered workshop, surrounded by tools and sparking wires, highlighting potential safety hazards.
How-To

DIY's Rise Will Undermine Skilled Trades, Experts Warn.

Electricians across the country report that 3 out of 10 service calls now involve correcting improperly executed DIY electrical work, often posing significant safety hazards ( Electrical Safety Founda

Scott Ramirez·July 20, 2026
Young men and women enthusiastically learning and working in skilled trades, showcasing a new generation's commitment to vocational careers.
Trades

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.

Rick Donovan·July 19, 2026
A modern digital readout system sits unused in a machine shop while a machinist works with older analog dials, highlighting the challenge of technology adoption.
Industry

Digital Readout Equipment Adoption: The Manufacturing Challenge

In a precision machine shop, a new digital readout system capable of sub-micron accuracy sits largely unused.

Rick Donovan·July 19, 2026
Diverse group of young Canadians training and working in skilled trades, representing the future of the workforce and Canada's infrastructure development.
Trades

Canada Launches $6B Program Addressing Skilled Trades Shortage

Canada's federal government just pledged up to $6 billion for a 'Team Canada Strong' program, aiming to train 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030-31.

Rick Donovan·July 18, 2026
Young Gen Z individuals confidently working in skilled trades, showcasing the high pay and rewarding career opportunities available in these fields.
Trades

Gen Z eyes skilled trades: 55% consider careers for high pay

Logan Bangert, a Gen Z worker, earns $80,000 to $90,000 a year repairing wind turbine blades, a salary many college graduates struggle to achieve, according to 아시아경제 .

Rick Donovan·July 17, 2026
Diverse group of young people learning and working in skilled trades, symbolizing the urgent need for new talent in the industry.
Trades

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.

Ben Foster·July 16, 2026
Skilled trades workers examining and choosing properly fitting personal protective equipment, highlighting the new OSHA mandate for individual fit in construction.
Safety

How to Choose Personal Protective Equipment for Skilled Trades

A revised OSHA rule now mandates that personal protective equipment (PPE) must properly fit each individual employee's body type in the construction industry.

Ben Foster·July 14, 2026
Adults and high school students participating in hands-on construction trades training programs at a new facility.
Trades

New construction trades training programs launch for adults and high schoolers

Lincoln Tech is investing $10 million into a new 36,000-square-foot training center in Maryland, signaling a significant expansion of construction trades training programs for adults.

Rick Donovan·July 14, 2026