Trades
News and information for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Leica Disto D2 Laser Tape Measure Offers 330-Foot Range
A new Bosch laser tape measure now includes a camera to pinpoint the exact laser spot and record measurements, extending its range to 120 meters, according to Digital Camera World .
Ignition-X Unveils New Electrical Device for Powersports Vehicles
A tiny electrical device, no larger than a deck of cards, promises to make traditional vehicle starter motors and lead-acid batteries obsolete.
Aldridge Construction finishes Salinas Family home renovation while occupied
For months in 2026, the Salinas family navigated a multi-room renovation in their own home, a feat of logistical coordination by Aldridge Construction that allowed them to stay put.
Steel City Tunnel Partners secures $1 billion Ohio River Tunnel contract
A $1 billion contract has just been awarded to construct nearly five miles of deep tunnels beneath the Ohio River, marking one of the largest infrastructure investments in the region's history.
Bechtel lands $4.69 billion Sabine Pass LNG expansion contract
Bechtel just secured a $4.69 billion contract to expand a single U.S. liquefied natural gas facility.
Contech startups secure major funding as VC investment evolves
In 2024, venture capitalists closed 325 deals in construction technology, marking a 38% jump from the previous year.
Labor Dept. Awards $30M for Skilled Trades Education Apprenticeship Programs
The U.S. Department of Labor is injecting $30 million into skilled trades training programs. BlackRock simultaneously launched a $25 million initiative. This marks a combined $55 million surge in publ
Old-growth forests are vital ecosystems with ancient trees
Old forests account for at least 10% of the world's carbon sequestration capabilities, a vital function now at the center of a new federal mandate.
What is balloon framing in construction and its fire risks?
In a 1910 two-story home in eastern Massachusetts, a balloon-framed wall silently separated from the floor joists, creating a two-inch gap at the second floor bedrooms without a single visible crack i
Avoid Problematic Perennial Plants in Your Garden
In some suburban gardens, a common ornamental plant like Barberry is quietly harboring deer ticks, directly increasing Lyme disease risk for residents.
Phillies Host Skilled Trades Program for Philadelphia Students
Just last week, 50 students from Mayfair School's trades curriculum toured Citizens Bank Park, gaining firsthand insight into the vital roles skilled professionals play in maintaining a major league s
Experts Evaluate Complex Door Hardware Scenarios for 2026
A major hospital project in Phoenix faced a six-month delay and $3 million in cost overruns last year.
Affordable Solar Bird Bath Fountains for Your Garden
During a recent Memorial Day sale, a solar lantern birdbath from Wayfair was available for just $50, highlighting the surprising affordability of these eco-friendly garden features, a key consideratio
Seed Snail Method: New Research Confirms Benefits, Highlights Risks
A recent National Gardening Association study found the viral Seed Snail Method boosts germination rates by 30% for small-seeded vegetables, but also increases 'damping off' disease by 15% due to high
Maryland Authority Announces $4B+ Key Bridge Procurements
Maryland's Key Bridge reconstruction efforts in 2026 involve four separate procurements announced by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).
Skilled Trades Surge Overwhelms Plumbing Colleges in Canada
At Humber College in Toronto, the plumbing apprenticeship program received 3,500 applications for just 150 spots this year — a 23x oversubscription.
Traeger Westwood XL Grill Offers Digital Temp Control
For just $799, the new Traeger Westwood XL offers 823 square inches of cooking space and WiFIRE remote monitoring, a combination previously found only in much more expensive smart grills.
NEFBA apprenticeship program shows strong success
In 2023, every graduate from the NEFBA apprenticeship program attained NCCER industry credentials, according to www-bths.
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.
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.
German heavy-duty tape measure market trends see digital surge
Last year, sales of digital-readout tape measures in Germany surged by 15%.
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 .
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.
Vocational training initiatives face skilled labor shortage
77% of manufacturers report difficulties attracting and retaining workers, highlighting a pervasive struggle across the industry.
Trade schools and career expos boost skilled trades education in 2026
Nearly 1,300 high school students in Milwaukee recently spent a day trying their hands at welding, bricklaying, and electrical work, a clear sign of how the next generation views skilled trades, accor
Students flock to 2026 skilled trades expo, exploring diverse career paths.
In Milwaukee, nearly 1,300 high school students recently converged at the Building Advantage Career Fair, a significant jump from 900 attendees just a year prior.
State Leaders Champion Skilled Trades for Youth Vocational Training
In Michigan, a record 55,431 students completed Career and Technical Education programs in the 2024-25 school year, more than double the number from just a decade prior, according to Bridge Michigan .
Michigan skilled trades programs show widening access disparities
A state audit found 70% of new skilled trades equipment funding went to districts with higher property tax revenues, benefiting wealthier suburban schools, according to the State Auditor General's Off
Lowe's Foundation invests $250M in skilled trades training
Lowe's Foundation is investing $250 million over the next decade to train 250,000 skilled trade workers.
States Drive US Skilled Trades Education and Apprenticeship Growth
In 2025, Montana's Registered Apprenticeship Program hit its highest participation ever.