Trades
News and information for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
TIG vs. MIG Welding: Choosing the Right Technique
Angles above 45-degrees when holding a TIG torch can cause a loss of shielding gas coverage, revealing the extreme precision required for this advanced welding technique, according to ScienceDirect .
What Are Residential and Commercial Electrical Wiring Types?
Many homeowners are unaware that the common Romex wiring found in their homes is strictly prohibited in residential buildings over three stories or in any commercial construction.
TIG vs. MIG Welding: Which Technique is Better for Fabrication?
A skilled MIG operator can typically complete a weld two to four times faster than a TIG operator, fundamentally altering project timelines and labor costs for many fabrication shops, according to Pre
Vocational Training Funding Instability Threatens Economy
Nine out of ten apprentices remain employed upon completing their registered program.
UK youth shun degrees for skilled trades amid AI job fears.
Despite graduates earning £11,500 more annually than non-graduates, a surprising 37% of UK Gen Z workers with degrees are shifting to blue-collar and skilled trade jobs.
Mentorship bridges generational gap in skilled trades, securing future workforce.
Only 38% of Gen Z respondents see skilled trades as offering the best job prospects today.
Meta's America's Workforce Academy Trains Tradespeople for New Tech
In its first seven days, Meta and CBRE's LevelUp fiber technician training program received 35,000 applications for just 1,000 openings.
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 .
Skilled Trades Camp Inspires Young Girls to Future-Proof Careers
Fewer than 10% of Red Seal certified journeypersons in Canada are women.
Three Ways America Is Rebuilding Its Skilled Trades Pipeline
The United States is addressing its critical skilled trades shortage through three distinct apprenticeship models: government initiatives for veterans, corporate-education partnerships for youth, and union-led programs known for stability. These complementary approaches aim to rebuild the workforce pipeline and fill hundreds of thousands of vacant jobs.
MIG vs. TIG vs. Stick vs. Flux-Cored: A Guide to Selecting the Best Welder
This guide compares MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored welding processes, detailing their advantages and trade-offs. It helps you select the ideal method based on project needs like material type, thickness, and work environment.