Section

Trades

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

Middle school students actively participating in hands-on plumbing, electrical, and HVAC training workshops at the Future Builders program.

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.

Rick Donovan· May 15· 3 min read

Young people flock to skilled trades careers, boosting student engagement initiatives

Last year, enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges surged by 16%, reaching its highest level since 2018, signaling a powerful shift in student career aspirations.

Rick Donovan· May 8· 6 min

Diverse skilled trades workers on a construction site, looking at an unfinished skyscraper, symbolizing the challenge of filling millions of jobs.

Skilled Trades Training Initiatives Undermined by Retention

Some 2.1 million skilled trade jobs are expected to go unfilled by 2030, potentially resulting in $1 trillion in annual economic losses, according to Facilities Dive . This severe and growing deficit

Rick Donovan· May 7· 7 min