Trades
News and information for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Residential HVAC Maintenance: Maximize Life and Savings
Improper installation alone can increase a household's energy use for space heating and cooling by approximately 30 percent, turning an efficient HVAC unit into a hidden money drain.
Gen Z Trades Up: Office Jobs Fade as Skilled Careers Surge
A staggering 72% of young office workers are now considering a switch to skilled trades, signaling a profound re-evaluation of career paths among Gen Z.
Plumbing System Costs in 2026
In 2026, a standard plumbing service call can cost anywhere from $75 to $300 before any work even begins, with emergency rates soaring to $400 per hour, according to Serviceagent .
Electrical Wiring Safety Protocols and Techniques
Running a single extension cord in your home can create multiple points where cords can kink, short out, or get pinched, potentially leading to tripped breakers, damaged outlets, or even fire.
How Advanced HVAC Refrigerant Management Works: A Complete Guide
Understanding advanced HVAC refrigerant management is crucial for modern technicians. This guide breaks down what you need to know to handle refrigerants safely, efficiently, and legally.
How Electrical Grounding and Bonding Works: A Complete Guide
Electrical grounding and bonding are critical safety systems that protect against shock, equipment damage, and fire. This guide clarifies their distinct roles and provides a comprehensive overview of their implementation according to the National Electrical Code.
Advanced HVAC System Diagnostics: A Complete Guide to Troubleshooting Techniques
Advanced HVAC system diagnostics is no longer a luxury for technicians—it's a necessity. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting, ensuring accurate and efficient repairs.
A Comprehensive Guide to Welding Techniques and Applications
Welding is the powerful, precise art of fusing metal, essential for modern construction, manufacturing, and repair. This guide breaks down Stick, MIG, and TIG techniques, their applications, and critical safety.
How Smart Home Devices Integrate with Traditional HVAC and Electrical Systems
For tradespeople, understanding how smart home devices integrate with traditional HVAC and electrical systems is now a core competency. This guide explores the essentials of connecting modern technology with legacy infrastructure.
What Is an HVAC System? A Comprehensive Guide for Residential and Commercial Applications
Understanding what an HVAC system is, from its core components to its proper installation, is crucial for any property owner. This guide breaks down the essentials for both residential and commercial applications.
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
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.
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.
Woodworking skills shortage threatens future projects
In 2023, hiring a single worker in the woodworking industry required 32% more job postings than in 2019, according to TradeandIndustryDev .
Mentorship programs are key to closing the skilled trades gap by 2026.
In 2018, Bill 47 shifted the journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio from 3:1 to 1:1, dramatically expanding apprenticeship capacity nationwide.
Women in Skilled Trades Face Stalled Leadership, Despite Gains
In 2024, tradeswomen in construction and extraction occupations reached 366,360, the highest percentage since 2015, according to Manufacturers Alliance .
Meta's New Academy Trains for Data Center Tech Jobs
In 2026, Meta is committing $115 million to provide free training, including tuition, housing, and a daily stipend, for a five-week program with a guaranteed job upon completion, according to...
Apprenticeships Surge Past Traditional Training, But Equity Gaps Remain
In 2024, over 560 candidates applied for just 27 spots in the prestigious Rolex apprenticeship program, resulting in a staggering 4.
Skilled trades education is key to workforce development.
Skilled trades education is vital for workforce development, with significant public and private investment driving training initiatives to address critical shortages.
Ethical AI in Skilled Trades: Demand for Workers Will Rise, Not Fall
In a surprising twist, a recent industry report projects AI integration will lead to a 15% increase in demand for electricians and plumbers over the next decade.
Vocational training is key to closing the skills gap. Are schools listening?
Over 3,300 high school students recently flocked to the YES!
NYC Building Worker Strike Threatens Buildings, Projects
More than 3,300 residential buildings in New York City face immediate disruption as 34,000 building workers threaten to strike over wages and healthcare.
Hands-on apprenticeships pay more than you think
The average starting salary after completing an apprenticeship program is a surprising $77,000, offering a direct path to financial stability without college debt.
Michigan skilled trades programs are not equitable, new report finds.
In Michigan, where skilled trades jobs are projected to grow by 13% over the next decade, only 18% of current apprenticeships are held by individuals from underrepresented minority groups.
DIY Plumbing Exposes You To Toxic Chemicals, Biohazards, And Costly Repairs.
An incorrect pipe connection, a common DIY plumbing error, can cause extensive water damage to a home's flooring, walls, and structure, costing thousands more than a professional repair.
AI in trades will challenge accountability. Are you prepared?
An AI-powered diagnostic tool recently misidentified a critical structural flaw in a building, costing $2 million in repairs and a year-long delay.
Skilled trades must embrace continuous learning to adapt to evolving tech by 2026.
At Kent State University, an AI system now monitors 1,000 variables and makes 150 control decisions every 15 minutes for its facilities team, saving $470,000 in annual utility costs, according to Faci
Apprenticeships target 2026 skilled trades labor gap
Despite North Carolina being ranked the 2026 Top State for Workforce Development by NC Governor (.
Skilled trades workers face mental health stigma, but peer support offers hope.
A staggering 64% of construction workers reported experiencing anxiety or depression in the last 12 months.
Skilled Trades Jobs Are Safe From Automation, Offering Good Wages
While many office jobs face an uncertain future from AI, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) have the lowest automation risk at just 7%, according to Freelance Informer .