Episode Overview:
As the landscape of American careers shifts dramatically, a back-to-basics career path is emerging — one that offers job security, competitive wages, and genuine satisfaction.
In this episode of All Boy, Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director of Explore the Trades, talks with Chance Seales about why the skilled trades are experiencing a surge of interest from young people and their parents.
Check out Explore the Trades
00:00 Introduction to the Trades and Market Demand
03:33 Engaging Young People in the Trades
06:15 Financial Opportunities in the Trades
09:11 Changing Perceptions of Trade Careers
12:13 The Importance of Skilled Trades in Communities
15:23 Innovative Messaging for the Trades
18:24 STEM Connections in Trade Education
21:18 Encouraging Women in the Trades
22:47 Breaking Stereotypes in Trades
25:54 The Future of Trades and Technology
28:15 Exploring Education Models for Trades
30:14 Public-Private Partnerships in Trade Education
33:09 Debt-Free Pathways into Trades
33:51 Respecting the Trades
36:42 Back to Basics: The Value of Handicrafts
40:58 Encouraging the Next Generation in Trades
Key Statistics (Thumbtack, 2024):
- 57% of Gen Z men are now considering careers in skilled trades
- 89% of tradespeople express high job satisfaction - that's 30 points higher than lawyers and 17 points higher than doctors
- Over 160,000 new jobs projected in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical trades over the next decade
- 80% of parents and 93% of Gen Z college graduates believe skilled trades offer better economic security than college
- 95% of skilled tradesmen feel optimistic about their professional futures
The Changing Face of Skilled Work:
Kate Cinnamo brings a unique perspective to this conversation. With nearly 10 years leading Explore the Trades, she's witnessed firsthand the transformation in how society views skilled work. "Twenty-five years ago, if you talked about the trades at school, you got that very apathetic response," she explains. Today's reality is starkly different.
The trades now of high interest, representing:
- STEM careers requiring deep understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Environmental stewardship through smart home technology and energy-efficient systems
- Community service providing essential infrastructure and emergency repairs
- Entrepreneurial opportunities with clear paths to business ownership
Entry-Level Earnings:
- New electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians: $50,000-$70,000 annually
- Master-level tradespeople: $115,000-$120,000+
- Specialized roles (comfort advisors, service managers): Additional premium pay
There's no single "right way" to enter the trades:
- Union Route: Structured programs with job placement but limited flexibility
- Trade School: Classroom learning followed by apprenticeship
- Direct Company Training: In-house apprenticeship programs with immediate employment
- High School CTE Programs: Career and Technical Education starting in secondary school
Job Security in an Uncertain World
- Unlike many white-collar positions vulnerable to automation or economic downturns, skilled trades offer remarkable stability
- Essential services that can't be outsourced
- Local demand that isn't affected by global markets
- Diverse opportunities from emergency service to new construction
A Return to Fundamentals:
The skilled trades revolution represents more than just a career trend - it's a return to valuing tangible contributions to society. In an era of digital overwhelm and economic uncertainty, working with one's hands to create, repair, and maintain the infrastructure that supports modern life can offer both personal satisfaction and economic security.
