Steve Turner is the Founder, and Shana Brunye is the Administrative Director at Bring Back the Trades.
The mission of Bring Back the Trades is:
To “empower the next generation of skilled tradespeople by advocating for rewarding trade careers, educating parents, facilitating mentorships with professionals, and providing scholarships. Through collaboration, we elevate awareness, respect, and opportunities in the trades. We work to inspire a world where skilled trades are celebrated, valued, and pursued as essential and impactful careers.”
Links & Notes
This episode was recorded at the offices of Bring Back the Trades in Rye, NH.
Music by Sneaky Miles
Below is an abridged and edited overview featuring highlights from the conversation.
What inspired the creation of "Bring Back the Trades"?
In August 2017, I woke up with the phrase "Bring Back the Trades" in my head. I had no idea why, but I acted on it. I had a hat made with the phrase, and soon people in the trades community loved it. They started asking for hats with their specific trade logos, and before I knew it, I had 47 different designs. A friend suggested using the proceeds for scholarships, and that’s how the movement began.
Why are the trades important to you personally?
I grew up with a learning disability and struggled academically, but I excelled in hands-on work. I found my passion in auto upholstery and started my own business in 1989. The trades gave me a purpose, a career, and the ability to contribute meaningfully, even when traditional education wasn’t a good fit for me.
What’s the mission of "Bring Back the Trades"?
Our mission is to eliminate the stigma around trade careers, highlight their value, and create opportunities for people to enter these fields. We focus on educating parents and students about the viability of trade careers and provide scholarships to support this pathway.
How do you help parents guide their kids toward trades?
I ask parents what their kids enjoy doing after school. If they love outdoor activities and building things, they might excel in fields like construction. If they’re into puzzles or tinkering with Legos, they could be engineers or machinists. The key is recognizing their natural inclinations and exposing them to related career options.
How has the organization grown?
It’s been incredible. From selling hats, we’ve moved to hosting events like Trade-A-Palooza, which drew 4,500 attendees and had 85 sponsors. We’ve partnered with schools, businesses, and even celebrities like Mike Rowe to promote the trades and connect students with opportunities.
What’s the biggest challenge in promoting trades?
The stigma that trades are a fallback for people who can’t "hack it" in college. Trades require intelligence, skill, and hard work, and they offer lucrative, stable careers. Changing this perception, especially among parents, is crucial.
How do you address the mentorship gap in trades?
We’re developing a mentorship program that pairs students with supportive and patient mentors. It’s essential to match apprentices with experienced tradespeople who remember what it’s like to start from scratch and can nurture their growth.
How does technology factor into the trades?
Technology complements the trades, making processes more efficient and safer. From scheduling software to digital tools for tracking jobs, it’s clear that technology and trades go hand in hand, but the human expertise will always be indispensable.
What’s the long-term vision for "Bring Back the Trades"?
We aim to create a nationwide network of resources, including scholarships, mentorships, and educational programs, to make it easier for people to enter and succeed in trades. The goal is to ensure that the trades remain a vital and celebrated part of our workforce.
What advice do you have for someone considering a trade career?
Explore different trades, talk to professionals, and try job shadowing. Trades are about finding your passion and honing your skills. It’s not just about making a living; it’s about building something meaningful—literally and figuratively.
