Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Stocking stuffer alert... In time for the holiday season, the National Association of Women in Construction Philadelphia Foundation has released "In the Construction Zone: An Activity Book." This construction-themed activity book, now available nationwide on Amazon, is packed with coloring pages, puzzles, safety tips, and even a comic strip that celebrates the everyday heroes of the construction industry. It's a creative and inspiring way to introduce children to the world of building trades. Mary Gaffney, NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation President and founding advisor of STAC said: “If they can see it, they can be it.” Purchase the book here: https://a.co/d/dVHpF2h #SkilledTrades #Construction

Congratulations to the talented young builders who participated in this year’s Block Kids competition, which was hosted by the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation. With the help of NESTers Amanda Evans and Karen Bassett, we were honored to be part of such an inspiring event alongside Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, where students in grades 1-6 were introduced to construction careers through a fun competition. A big thank you to all who made this event a success, including Mary Gaffney, Brianne Nevrotski, and many more volunteers. We love to see how our industry is empowering the next generation and fostering a love for skilled trades. #skilledtrades #construction #facilitiesmanagement

What a podcast!??? About five minutes into our conversation, I flipped the script and asked the students about the advice they would give other students about trying a class in the trades. The young ladies talk about “knowing it’s right for you” after touching and using the tools. They talk about communication and working together. And finally, they talk about the people who will work in the trades because they have to…and then working in the trades because they love it. ?? I couldn’t have said it better myself. #explorethetrades #mayfair #ferguson #dopestudentpodcast #tradeseducationmatters #philly #cte #skillslabs

??♂? ?????? ???????????? ???? ????????????????????????: ?????????????? ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??♀? The construction industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, contributing over $1.8 trillion annually. With 55,579 active job opportunities, maintenance and repair workers are in unprecedented demand. Welding roles also lead with 338,000 Google searches last year, highlighting a critical need for skilled tradespeople. https://lnkd.in/g73AUvYq Several factors drive this growth: 1?? ???????????????????????????? ???????? Government investments in roads, bridges, and public utilities are surging, necessitating a skilled workforce in construction, electrical, and plumbing sectors. 2?? ?????????????????? ???????????? ???????? The shift towards sustainable practices boosts demand for solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians, key to reducing carbon emissions. 3?? ?????????? ?????????????????? As many tradespeople retire, there's a critical need to train new workers with modern skills, especially as trade jobs evolve with technology. Adapting to technological advancements and investing in vocational training is essential. How can we better support this crucial industry to meet growing demands? ?? #Construction #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment Ken Semler Gary Fleisher Ben Hershey Lynn von Koch-Liebert Jennifer Lacy Rob Howard Arezou Sadoughi, Ele George Daniel Small, Doug Tollin, Audree Grubesic Andrew Seelye?Al Udwin Bob Bender Jason Blenker Jefre Outlaw Justin DePhillips Steve Dubin Angela Gardner Tom Stacy Ryan Colker Jennifer Dewees, Ryan Blowers David Hutchinson Heather A. Packard Robert Graham Rob Balfanz Brandon Dennison Tracy Eckard Rob Vitello Branka Minic Tracey Griffith Patrick Scarpati Sally M. Crissy Ingram,

The largest skilled trades travelling classroom. It's called the Trades & Tech Truck. Skills Ontario The Trades & Tech Truck is a mobile classroom in Ontario, Canada. It offers hands-on learning in skilled trades and technologies ?? Equipped with simulators and activities, it covers areas like welding, electrical work, and heavy machinery. It has already engaged over 45,000 people through various events. This initiative promotes careers in skilled trades. This is how career exploration into the trades should be done. They will come to you if you don't have the classroom Students can try their hand at different trades without leaving their community. It's an exciting way to learn new skills ??? The Ontario government plans to expand the program by adding three more mobile tech classrooms. This means even more students will have access to this unique learning experience ?? The future of skilled trades education looks bright! Jennifer Green Looking for a speaker for your next event https://lnkd.in/ezE-eQhb #skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC ↗ Hey, I'm Andrew I post every day at 8am est. ↗ I'm a skilled trades advocate. ↗ Join the trades movement: https://lnkd.in/eSqJzG9j ↗ Follow me Andrew Brown

Ever wonder what would happen if the trades disappeared? No, really. What if every electrician, plumber, and carpenter were gone? Chaos, right? But here's the reality: Most of us don't even think about them. We take them for granted. And it's easy to look down on someone with dirty hands and a toolbox. The truth is that trades workers are the backbone of society. And yet, they’re overlooked, underappreciated, and looked down upon. Why? Because somewhere along the way, we decided that working with your hands was somehow "less than." But that's a big fat lie. So on this National Tradesmen Day, let's change the narrative. Let's start looking up to the people who keep the world running. Not just because they deserve it. But because it’s about dang time.

We’re thrilled to announce that the Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC) has officially earned 501(c)(3) nonprofit status! This marks a significant milestone in our mission to address the skilled labor crisis in the U.S. and Canada. Since our founding in August 2023, STAC has united industry leaders across sectors like construction, retail, facilities management, HVAC, tools, and more to promote these essential careers. We’re proud of the strides we’ve made in just one year, from collaborations with key advocates like Mike Rowe to partnerships with organizations like Explore The Trades, Women in HVACR, and Major League Baseball (MLB). There’s still more work to do as we continue to elevate skilled trades careers and ensure a sustainable workforce for the future. Thanks to our founding advisors below and everyone supporting our mission. Rob Almond, NEST Andrew Brown, Toolfetch Kate Cinnamo, Explore The Trades Mary Gaffney, NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation and GEM Mechanical Services Sarah Hammond, Atlas and Women in HVACR Mónica Mu?oz, DaVita Kidney Care Julie M Starzynski, RDI, bp Sara Angus, Starbucks Kam Washington, PMA Construction #skilledtrades #construction #facilitiesmanagement

?? Please STOP treating skilled trades as “less than” a college degree. ?? I see too many workforce shortages and a readying-to-retire Boomer generation of tradespeople, but not enough students are being encouraged to explore the trades as an equal option to a four-year college path. Do this instead: ? Educate students that careers in skilled trades offer similar stability, high income potential, and growth opportunities as traditional college degrees. ? Explain how electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and carpenters often start earning sooner, debt-free, and can even earn more than many college graduates. ? Promote the benefits of apprenticeships, where students can earn while they learn, avoiding student loan debt. ? Show students that skilled trades offer entrepreneurial opportunities, job security, and career mobility—essential as our aging workforce retires. ? Build partnerships between high schools, community colleges, and trade programs to create hands-on opportunities for students. The main reason for this gap? We’re not showing the younger generation that these career paths are just as valuable as a four-year degree. Let’s fill these workforce shortages and secure a prosperous future by presenting skilled trades as an equal and viable option for success. In my latest article, I dive deeper into why these careers are important to our future and why we should inspire the next generation to pursue them. ?? ?? Read the full article below and comment your thoughts on the importance of the skilled trades! #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledTrades #EqualOpportunity #CareerPaths #FutureOfWork #CTE #HandsOnLearning

On Aug. 23, 2023, we launched the Skilled Trades Advisory Council! Today, we celebrate our first year of impact... We've made incredible strides in elevating the conversation around the trades, advocating for the importance of these essential careers, and bringing together industry leaders to drive meaningful change. Highlights include collaborations with Mike Rowe, Jamie McMillan, Major League Baseball (MLB), Explore The Trades, Women in HVACR, NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation, SPECS, and CONNEX FM. We've raised awareness for the trades in Forbes, MLB.com, Yahoo, and other media around the world. This is only the beginning. We have big plans for year 2! Thank you to our incredible advisors for your commitment to this mission: Mary Gaffney Kate Cinnamo Andrew Brown Sarah Hammond Sara Angus Julie M Starzynski, RDI Kam Washington Mónica Mu?oz Rob Almond #SkilledTrades #Construction

Some folks talk about it and some….. I’m still spreading the #Gospel