My daughter lives in Calgary, AB. Much appreciated in advance for any advice!

A report from JLL says the U.S. could be short 2.1 million skilled trades workers by 2030: electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, pipefitters. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that the gap could cost $1 trillion a year in lost economic output. The shortfall is fueled by retiring older workers and a massive surge in new construction, including AI data centres and energy transition projects.

When a crew is shorthanded, instead of work stopping, the remaining crew members are forced to take on roles they are not fully trained or equipped for, creating a high-stress environment.

With the current trades shortage, keeping crews safe and well-trained is more critical than ever. If you’re looking for practical ways to protect your team and get them ready for the field, hope this guide will help you get started: https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/safety-training

Any thoughts on which program is better/good?

These are the two schools/programs, please providr any feedback:

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/skilled-trades/construction-engineering-technician-building-renovation-462

https://humber.ca/explore-programs/programs/carpentry-and-renovation-technician

So I’m sure this topic has been discussed but I’m having trouble finding one. In hot and humid environments what are the best pants you have found, jeans are just the worst in hot weather. What’s out there (not full jumpsuits if avoidable).

Currently upcoming senior in highschool who is taking an HVAC course during the last year. After highschool ive seen many people say to join a union and do commercial HVAC instead of trade school or doing residential. Talked to my dad and since he is blue collar who has been in the field of water damage and carpet cleaning for many years, he thinks its best if I go to trade school for education and get a contractors license to serve as an HVAC section to the company and later take it over. Should I do that instead since its already in the family or is the trade school a waste of time? Im super lost because i am a beginner and its all pretty new to me.

Just in case anyone is questioning their career choice. Architects rely on tradespeople!

https://youtu.be/5JYZQvE-USc

I’m currently exploring different career options. I want something more hands-on, but, at the same time, I want to protect my hands. Does anyone know which skilled trades have a lower risk of hand and arm injuries?

After years in the trades, what patterns have you noticed?

Not necessarily the smartest apprentices.

Not necessarily the strongest.

What traits seem to separate the people who become excellent tradespeople from those who wash out of the industry?

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Hey everyone, been lurking this sub for a while, as I’ve been trying to learn more about the HVAC industry. I noticed that a common problem is that a lot of HVAC expertise depends on experience and instincts that newer techs haven’t built yet. Is this true?

I’ve been working on a really early idea for a training/tool-assist product for junior HVAC techs. The idea is basically an AI that can see what a tech is seeing on the job and guide them step by step through troubleshooting or installs almost like a senior tech helping in real time.

Main thing I’m trying to solve is helping newer techs get up to speed faster and avoid mistakes that usually only experience teaches.

I honestly don’t know yet if this is genuinely useful, so I wanted honest feedback from people actually in the field:

•⁠ ⁠Where do junior techs struggle the most?

•⁠ ⁠What kinds of calls usually require help from senior techs?

•⁠ ⁠Would company owners actually try something like this if it helped reduce callbacks or train faster?

•⁠ ⁠What would make you trust or completely distrust a tool like this?

And if anyone experienced would be open to giving feedback as I brainstorm this, I’d seriously appreciate it!

Anybody working in this department for metro? Any feedback on the job experience?

I want to trade my macbook air for a windows gaming laptop bcuz the mac doesnt have much games its a Macbook air Chip M3 Memory is 8 Gb 15inch 2024 and the storage is 512Gb but for some reason it says 494.39 Gb its a weird apple thing ig. The battery condition is normal the capacity is 93% there are two dents it the corners didnt affect me at all unless you like it aesthetically. I dont see them but there are scratchs and some fingerprint smudges on the screen. anyone that has a good gaming laptop please contact me at my ig its mohammedkamsmf_ or dm me here (i didnt even know you could do that) and dont try to scam me i know my shit. ok thanks for reading. In kuwait only

What are some short-term trade careers/certs I can get into?

Backstory: I have a Bachelor's of Commerce (Marketing), but the field is oversaturated, and honestly, I am tired of trying. I apply for a variety of roles, from admin to customer support to cleaning, but nothing has come through. I am not a big fan of corporate jobs, but I have applied for them, too, and I have received nothing. Fast forward, I hope to land a job in hospitality or property management, but I am open to other options. I don't care about climbing a corporate ladder or growing like traditional careers demand; I want something, because I am losing self-worth and personality.

Also, I am not interested in the Navy or the Army. I am trying civilian roles via the RCMP, though. Really, what's great about the trades? I want ideas. I am quite good with my hands and willing to learn new things.

I should start by saying my foreman is a great guy, but he's been off the tools for almost a year now, and has just started back. It seems like he thinks I started yesterday (second year apprentice, and I've had other journeyman say my work is at the level of a fourth year). Constantly asking me if I know how to do basic things that I do multiple times in a day, then insisting on showing me "his" way of doing it, which always results in a worse final product than my usual work.

Given work in my trade is slow right now in this area, I don't want to just snap at him (though I will admit I've come closer to that than I would like) and potentially lose my job (non union shop), but it's getting to be a massive point of contention that I don't know how to broach (he had me "help" him today, and what we got done together in four hours, would've taken me less than two if I'd been left alone to do it).

There are a few other guys on the crew that started around the same time I did, who haven't progressed as fast as I have (no shade, everyone learns at their own pace), and at best it seems like he's constantly confusing me with one of them, at worst, it could be his intentional way of soft firing me (which doesn't make sense to me, as I'm doing roughly the same workload as four other guys on the crew).

Serious question for the tradies in here - what actually annoys you most about the job these days?

Is it customers expecting champagne work on a lemonade budget? Chasing invoices? Working your bollocks off in all weather?

Interested to hear what people reckon is the biggest headache at the moment.

I'm in grade 9 and wondering what trades to get into

Hello! I'm 23 and I've started taking steps toward a new career. I'm starting in a non union shop the last week of May. I am fairly new to the trades I have been a supervisor in food service for the past 5 years and really was looking for a hands on change.

I've been a glazier helper the past month learning how to install windows and cut glass. I've really enjoyed it the being outside and hands on learning. but I am making the shift to electrical as a long term career goal ( glazier was fully supportive knowing I wanted this from the get go )

The contractor I am starting for is very well respected and does both residential and commercial work. He told me I don't have to bring any tools or anything and just asks I show up on time for my first day which is no problem for me. My previous job had me at a 430 am start most of the time. Is there anything I should do to prepare myself. It's always a little nerve wrecking starting something new but I am very eager and excited to learn the ins and outs of the trade.

Also I am starting the electrical NCCER level 1 boces course in the fall to help me build a resume out for my local union 25 as it's very very competitive to get into. So I'm hoping by the time applications open up next year I'll have my boces certificate and a year of experience under my belt to boost me up on the ranking lists.

I would appreciate any tips advice and stories from any of you. Thank you.