Trades
News and information for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Lowe's Pledges $250 Million to Combat Skilled Trades Shortage
The Lowe's Foundation is pledging $250 million over the next decade to train plumbers, carpenters, and electricians, a direct response to the critical skilled trades shortage facing the U.S. construction and home improvement industries.
Lowe's Invests $250 Million in Skilled Trades, Citing AI's Limits
The Lowe's Foundation is committing $250 million to develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals, a move its CEO says is critical in an era where AI's physical limitations are becoming clear.
KOSSIPA Launches Skills Acquisition Program in Kogi Central Targeting 2,000
The Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency (KOSSIPA) has launched a new skills acquisition program in Kogi Central, aiming to train over 2,000 applicants. This initiative seeks to address unemployment and foster self-reliance by providing practical, in-demand skills.
Northwest Indiana Highlights Trending Skilled Trades Careers Amid Demand
Northwest Indiana faces an 'all-time high' demand for skilled trades workers, particularly in the booming construction market. This report details how vocational education and workforce development initiatives are addressing the labor shortage.
High Schools Launch New Skilled Trades Education Initiatives
High schools are launching new skilled trades education initiatives across North America, creating direct pathways to careers for students. These programs address a persistent demand for skilled labor, offering hands-on experience and industry-recognized certifications.
Premiere Builders & Remodeling Expands Bluffton Bathroom Remodeling Services
Premiere Builders & Remodeling has expanded its bathroom remodeling services in Bluffton, citing increased local demand and a focus on maintaining operational standards during its growth.
New Investment Targets Skilled Trades Education as Builders Report Skills Crisis
PPG and the PPG Foundation have committed $10 million to advance skilled trades education, addressing a growing skills crisis in the construction sector. This funding aims to build a future pipeline of talent for critical roles.
BOCES Student Aims to Defend State SkillsUSA Competition Title
Broome-Tioga BOCES student Kaigen Cobb is preparing to defend his state title at the SkillsUSA competition on April 23, 2026. His previous success has already created tangible opportunities for his peers and highlighted the value of career and technical education.
Kenya's Inclusive TVET Commitment Advanced by Award-Winning Private-Sector Model
Swisscontact was recently honored for its role in developing a new private-sector-led TVET curriculum in Kenya, a model that has informed a new national training framework.
New Initiatives Boost Youth Training for High School Students in Skilled Trades
New initiatives are launching globally to boost youth training in skilled trades, addressing labor shortages and offering students practical career pathways. These programs include new funding, hands-on projects, and scholarship opportunities.
GEA and Partners Distribute Start-Up Kits to 481 Tamale Youth
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and Mastercard Foundation have provided start-up kits to 481 young people in Tamale, Ghana. This initiative aims to equip new artisans with essential tools, enabling them to launch their careers and businesses.
What are modern HVAC refrigerants and why do regulations matter?
Starting January 1, 2025, manufacturing or importing new HVAC systems that use R-410A, a refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of 2088, becomes illegal.
Skilled trades education is key to Ontario's 2026 economic stability.
Ontario's economy is bleeding $24 billion annually due to a critical shortage of skilled trades workers.
Top Smart Home Devices for Trades Professionals
A single smart thermostat installation can yield a 40% profit margin for an electrician.
Top 5 Cordless Impact Drivers for Professional Carpenters
In recent independent tests, the Flex 24V ¼-inch hex impact driver edged out Milwaukee's top model by a tenth of a second in RSS screw tests.
Comparing 4 Top Welding Techniques: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Best Uses
Choosing the right welding technique is crucial for project success, as each method offers unique strengths and weaknesses. This guide breaks down MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored welding to help you select the ideal process for your specific needs.
Carollo Engineers Wins Placer County WTP Management Contract
Placer County is embarking on a $210 million water treatment plant, yet the crucial construction management contract for the first phase was awarded to Carollo Engineers for just $271,960.
Canada's $6B Skilled Trades Plan Faces Diversity Gap Despite Growth
Canada has committed an unprecedented $6 billion to recruit 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled trades workers, yet women still comprise only 14% of registered apprentices in 2023.
Lowe's: Investing in trades, leveraging AI for efficiency
Lowe's is pouring $250 million into training 250,000 skilled tradespeople over the next decade, a significant investment in human capital.
Beyond the Press Release: Why Large Private Sector Investments Are Crucial for Trades
Lowe's recent $250 million investment to train 250,000 tradespeople is a critical model for how large private sector capital can sustainably address the nation's escalating skilled trades gap, vital for economic growth and infrastructure development.
Lowe's $250M Is a Start, But Government Incentives and Education Reform Must Fix the Skilled Trades Shortage
While corporate investment like the Lowe's Foundation's $250 million is a welcome step, it cannot single-handedly solve the skilled trades shortage; a comprehensive solution requires robust government incentives and fundamental educational reforms.
Modernizing Vocational Training Isn't a Choice; It's an Economic Imperative
The persistent skilled trades gap is a current crisis. Modernizing vocational training and expanding apprenticeships are essential to rebuild the talent pipeline and secure our economic future.
The Trades Are Calling: We Must Innovate Vocational Training and Apprenticeships Now
The future of our national infrastructure hinges on a robust pipeline of skilled trades professionals. To secure it, we must commit to innovating vocational training and apprenticeships now.
High Schools Are Failing Students By Ignoring Vocational Training and Apprenticeships
High schools are failing students by pushing only four-year degrees, ignoring the critical need for vocational training and apprenticeships. This oversight exacerbates the skilled trades gap and leaves students unprepared for lucrative careers.
The Skilled Trades Crisis Has One Obvious Fix We Keep Ignoring
The persistent skilled trades labor shortage demands a renewed focus on vocational training and apprenticeships, the most direct and effective solution we have systematically devalued for decades.
Our Outdated Apprenticeship Programs Are Failing The Next Generation of Trades
To solve the critical skilled trades shortage, we must fundamentally overhaul our approach by modernizing apprenticeship programs. A new framework integrating early education, standardized certifications, and robust public-private partnerships is the only viable path forward.
Vocational Training and Apprenticeships Are the Only Real Fix for the Skilled Trades Gap
The United States faces a widening skilled trades gap, threatening economic stability and critical infrastructure. Reinvesting in vocational training and apprenticeships is the most direct, proven, and sustainable solution to this national crisis.
Progressive Capitalism's Plan for Trades: A Grand Vision Missing a Practical Blueprint
Progressive capitalism presents an ambitious vision for the American economy, but its proposals for skilled trades are a mix of promising goals and frustratingly vague strategies. This article examines the significant gap between political ambition and the realities of running a contracting business or working a job site.
India's CEA Urges Students Toward Skilled Trades Over MBAs
India's Chief Economic Adviser V.
Hilton Boston Back Bay Unveils New Wellness Features Post-Renovation
The Hilton Boston Back Bay invested millions into its 401-room property, expanding its fitness center to 3,500 square feet with Peloton bikes and outdoor wellness spaces, reports Construction Dive .