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

Pima Community College opens $1.2M expanded lab April 14, 2026
Pima Community College's Building and Construction Technology program is expanding its lab tenfold, from 2,500 to 25,000 square feet.

BC Skills event Abbotsford boosts vocational careers in skilled trades
Last year, over 5,000 students in Abbotsford attended a single event showcasing welding, carpentry, and culinary arts, far exceeding expectations for vocational career interest.

Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison bets $250M on AI and human skills
Despite investing in artificial intelligence to boost sales and productivity, Lowe's commits $250 million over the next decade.

Lowe's $250M for 250K Workers: Valuing Skills Amid AI Growth
Lowe's is committing a quarter of a billion dollars over the next decade to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople.

Lowe's Invests $250M in Skilled Trades Amid AI Limitations
Lowe's is committing a quarter-billion dollars over the next decade to train 250,000 plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.

Lowe's invests $250M to train 250,000 workers in skilled trades
Over the next decade, Lowe's plans to spend $250 million to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople, a number equivalent to nearly 80% of its current workforce, according to Black Enterprise .

Lowe's Pledges $250 Million for Skilled Trades Training
A Wisconsin town recently restricted AI data centers, while Lowe's is investing $250 million over the next decade to train 250,000 skilled trades professionals.

Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250M to Train 250K Workers by 2035
By 2035, the Lowe's Foundation plans to train 250,000 skilled trades workers with a $250 million investment, a scale of corporate workforce development rarely seen, according to Entrepreneur .

Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250M for Skilled Trades Technology Education
In Columbus, Georgia, a new TV docuseries sponsored by the Lowe's Foundation spotlights local craftsmen.

Blue Ridge Community College offers free construction training to address labor shortages.
Local construction companies in the Blue Ridge region report a 20% increase in project delays due to a critical labor shortage, according to a Local Builders Association Survey.

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.

Top 8 Emerging Technologies Revolutionizing Plumbing
In 2,306 homes, a single smart water shutoff system slashed paid water damage claims by an astonishing 96%, according to Western Rooter .

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.

Hot Work Safety: Risks, Prevention, and Protocols
Hot work—welding, cutting, brazing—is a leading cause of worker death in incidents investigated by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) .

County Grant Funds Freeport Armory Conversion to Trade School
Nassau County has awarded a $300,000 grant to Freeport, initiating the transformation of its historic armory into a new trade school.

Mentorship Programs are Key to Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap by 2026
Despite a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, 35 percent of middle and high school parents believe vocational programs are only for 'high-achieving' students, revealing a deep-seated percepti

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.

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.