Why is it getting harder every year to find good people in the trades?
In this podcast, Brian breaks down the real issues behind the skilled labor shortage — from why fewer young people are entering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work to how contractors are being forced to rethink hiring, training, and retention.
This conversation goes beyond headlines and gets into what’s actually happening on the ground: changing attitudes toward work, the role parents and schools play, and why the trades are still one of the most misunderstood career paths today.
If you’re a contractor, business owner, or someone thinking about a career in the trades, this episode will give you a clearer picture of where the industry is headed — and what needs to change.
Topics covered include:
*Why fewer people are choosing skilled trades
*The real causes of the workforce shortage
*Trades vs college: what’s broken in the system
*How contractors can adapt moving forward
Guest: Brian Harding
Event: PHCC CONNECT
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why the skilled trades are struggling to attract workers
01:12 – The perception problem around trade careers
02:45 – College vs trades: how parents influence career choices
04:30 – Why young people don’t see trades as a long-term option
06:10 – The role of schools and education systems
08:05 – What contractors are doing wrong with hiring
10:22 – Training, apprenticeships, and retention challenges
12:40 – How contractors need to adapt in 2025 and beyond
14:55 – What the future of the trades actually looks like
#PlumbingLife #HVACLife #TradesEducation #Apprenticeships #PHCC #ContractorLife #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment
The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit.
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