Host Andrew Brown speaks with Angela Caldwell, founder of Honor the Work, about the importance of early exposure to skilled trades education. They discuss how apprenticeships, career exploration, and hands-on learning can inspire the next generation of tradespeople. Angela shares insights on how educators and parents can guide students toward fulfilling careers in the trades industry, including carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and millwrights. The conversation highlights the impact of mentorship, problem-solving, and creativity in the world of skilled trades careers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:02:05) – Why career conversations about skilled trades should start early

(00:09:21) – Changing perceptions of the trades industry in schools and families

(00:17:55) – The benefits of apprenticeships and early hands-on experience

(00:25:38) – Steps to becoming an entrepreneur in the trades careers field

(00:32:12) – How educators can introduce tradespeople careers in classrooms

(00:37:31) – The role of technology, VR, and gamification in skilled trades education

Key Takeaways:

Early exposure is key – Students should be introduced to skilled trades careers as early as elementary school to break biases and showcase opportunities.

Apprenticeships accelerate career growth – Programs in the trades industry provide valuable hands-on experience, often leading to full-time jobs with great pay.

Trades careers offer diverse paths – Whether in carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, millwrights, or construction, skilled workers can become contractors, business owners, or industry leaders.

Creativity and problem-solving are essential – Tradespeople are innovators, using their skills to solve real-world problems and improve infrastructure.

About the Guest:

Angela Caldwell is the founder of Honor the Work, an organization dedicated to integrating skilled trades education into elementary and high school curriculums. As a former teacher, she has seen firsthand the gaps in education that prevent students from exploring trades careers. Angela is an advocate for tradespeople, working to connect students with industry experts, hands-on learning, and mentorship opportunities in fields like HVAC, electricians, plumbers, carpentry, and construction.

Keywords: Skilled Trades Careers, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Angela Caldwell, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Apprenticeships, Hands-on Learning, Workforce Development, Skilled Labor, Blue-Collar Jobs, Vocational Training, Career Exploration, Job Readiness, Technical Skills, STEM Careers, Skilled Workforce, Entrepreneurship in Trades, Building Trades, Manufacturing, Skilled Trades Education

RESOURCE LINKS:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacoldwell/
• Website: https://honourthework.ca/

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Barry Zekelman, CEO of Zekelman Industries. Barry shares his incredible journey from inheriting his father's struggling company at 19 to transforming it into one of North America's largest steel pipe and tube manufacturers. Together, they discuss entrepreneurship in skilled trades, the importance of trades advocacy, building a thriving trades industry culture, and empowering tradespeople to succeed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about skilled trades careers, leadership, and craftsmanship.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) - Introduction: Andrew Brown welcomes Barry Zekelman and sets the stage for discussing skilled trades careers.

(04:30) - Barry Zekelman reflects on inheriting his father's business and the challenges of entrepreneurship in skilled trades.

(10:15) - Building a strong trades industry culture and empowering employees for success.

(20:00) - The role of problem-solving and creativity in skilled trades careers like carpentry, HVAC, and construction.

(30:45) - Advocacy for trades careers: Why skilled trades are vital to our economy and communities.

(40:00) - Closing thoughts: Barry's advice for young tradespeople and aspiring leaders.

Key Takeaways:

Empowering People is Key: Building a strong culture and trusting your team can elevate success in the trades industry.

Trades Careers are Honorable: Careers in skilled trades like millwrights, electricians, plumbers, and contractors offer fulfillment and stability.

Leadership is Learned and Earned: Barry emphasizes the importance of empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork in becoming a successful leader.

Advocacy Matters: Trades advocacy and leadership are crucial for addressing the trades shortage and shaping the future of skilled trades careers.

About the Guest:

Barry Zekelman is the CEO and Executive Chairman of Zekelman Industries, a leading steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America. Starting his leadership journey at the age of 19 after the sudden passing of his father, Barry turned a struggling company into a billion-dollar powerhouse. His passion for skilled trades careers, entrepreneurship in skilled trades, and advocacy for tradespeople has made him a respected leader in the industry. He is committed to creating opportunities for tradespeople and fostering a thriving trades industry culture.

Keywords:

Skilled Trades Careers, Trades Industry Culture, Barry Zekelman Interview, Entrepreneurship in Skilled Trades, Trades Advocacy and Leadership, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Toolfetch, Barry Zekelman, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council.

RESOURCE LINKS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-z-5a9a25268/

Website: https://www.zekelman.com/

Host Andrew Brown interviews Jennifer Cline, also known as "Jenny from the Shop," a social media influencer and skilled trades advocate. Jennifer shares her journey from an unexpected life event to becoming a DIY expert, trades advocate, and creator who inspires women in trades and beyond. They discuss the importance of trades careers, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the power of social media in promoting trades advocacy.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:01:16) – Andrew Brown introduces the podcast’s mission to spotlight Skilled Trades Careers and welcomes Jennifer Cline.

(00:03:02) – Jennifer shares her inspiring story of stepping into her husband’s shoes to tackle DIY projects in her 1818 farmhouse.

(00:09:43) – Jennifer discusses her impact on young women aspiring to enter the Trades Industry through her creative content.

(00:17:32) – Transitioning from making flags to becoming a full-time content creator in the Skilled Trades space.

(00:25:26) – The importance of social media for construction companies and Tradespeople to grow their businesses.

(00:36:58) – Jennifer shares how listeners can connect with her on social media as “Jenny from the Shop.”

Key Takeaways:

Trades Advocacy is vital to inspiring the next generation, particularly young women, to consider high-paying and rewarding Trades Careers.

Social media is a powerful tool for Tradespeople, contractors, and companies to promote their work and connect with new audiences.

Creativity and Problem-solving are essential skills that drive success in both DIY projects and professional trades.

Perseverance and adaptability are critical for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and advocating for the Skilled Trades Industry.

About the Guest:

Jennifer Cline, aka "Jenny from the Shop," is a talented DIYer, skilled trades advocate, and social media influencer. Her journey began after her husband's passing, which led her to embrace carpentry and construction projects in her 1818 farmhouse. Jennifer now inspires countless women in trades and showcases the power of creativity and craftsmanship through her social media channels.

Keywords:

Skilled Trades Careers, Women in Trades, Trades Advocacy, DIY Projects, Social Media for Trades, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Toolfetch, Jennifer Cline, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council.

RESOURCE LINKS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyfromtheshop1
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jennyfromthe_shop
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cline-ab038470/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jennyfromtheshop