Ferguson is investing big in skilled trades education. Melissa Hazelwood joins host Andrew Brown to reveal how they're building trades labs for plumbing, HVAC & more.

Join host Andrew Brown on The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades as he talks with Melissa Hazelwood, Director of Community Relations at Ferguson, about how one of America’s top plumbing and HVAC distributors is helping solve the trades labor crisis. From building hands-on training labs with Explore the Trades to investing in K-12 career awareness, Ferguson is reshaping how young people discover and enter high-paying trade careers.

Discover why early exposure matters, how Ferguson’s Skills Lab program works, and how companies can step up to support trades education in their own communities.

(02:15) — Why early exposure to the trades matters

(07:40) — Spotlight on “Castle Jarrett” and student engagement

(14:30) — Inside the Ferguson Skills Lab initiative and its national reach

(23:10) — The role of parents, guidance counselors, and social perception

(32:45) — Women in construction: tools, tiaras, and trade camps

(41:00) — Advice for companies wanting to support skilled trades education programs

Trade careers for kids should be introduced early through hands-on play, mentorship, and relatable role models.

The Ferguson Skills Lab initiative is a groundbreaking example of private industry investing in skilled trades education programs.

Explore the Trades partnerships help connect contractors, schools, and community leaders to offer scalable, real-world training.

Programs like women in construction training camps are essential to diversify the trades and empower the next generation of builders and problem-solvers.

Melissa Hazelwood is the Director of Social Impact at Ferguson, where she leads initiatives that support skilled trades education programs through national partnerships like the Explore the Trades partnership. She plays a key role in the Ferguson Skills Lab initiative, which has already reached thousands of students across the U.S. Her work bridges industry expertise and community service, ensuring that trade careers for kids remain a visible and viable path—especially through her support of women in construction training camps and other inclusive outreach programs.

Melissa shares how Ferguson's community-first mindset and collaboration with organizations like Explore the Trades are creating real social impact in the trades industry. Whether you're a parent, contractor, educator, or just passionate about craftsmanship, this episode is filled with insights on the future of trades careers and how we can all play a role in supporting the next generation of tradespeople.

Skilled trades education programs, Trade careers for kids, Ferguson Skills Lab initiative, Explore the Trades partnership, Women in construction training camps, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Melissa Hazelwood, Social Impact, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkhazelwood/

Ferguson website: https://www.corporate.ferguson.com/esg/story-hub/news-details/2024/Building-the-future/default.aspx

Host Andrew Brown sits down with This Old House host Kevin O’Connor to explore the state of the skilled trades career path in today’s economy. They dive deep into the construction labor shortage, discuss real-world apprenticeship opportunities, and reflect on the impact of places like Williamson College of the Trades.

They also confront outdated assumptions around the trade school vs college debate — and what needs to happen for the next generation to see the skilled trades not as a fallback, but as a first choice.

[00:01] – Kevin’s path from finance to This Old House

[08:45] – How trades-focused TV really gets made

[18:22] – Inside Williamson College of the Trades

[31:40] – Trade school vs college: fixing the PR problem

[45:10] – Addressing the construction labor shortage

[59:00] – Building better apprenticeship opportunities

Williamson College of the Trades is a tuition-free trade school creating career-ready graduates with multiple job offers, and no debt.

The construction labor shortage is real, but solvable if we invest in training, technology, and awareness.

Apprenticeship opportunities are the fastest, most effective way to launch a skilled trades career path and companies should promote them.

The trade school vs college decision should be based on ROI and lifestyle, not outdated assumptions or prestige.

Kevin O’Connor is the host of This Old House, a legendary PBS series now in its fifth decade. With roots in finance and family construction, Kevin brings a unique lens to the skilled trades industry, combining storytelling with advocacy. He’s a champion for institutions like Williamson College of the Trades and a vocal supporter of closing the construction labor shortage through smarter training and increased apprenticeship opportunities.

Skilled trades career path, construction labor shortage, apprenticeship opportunities, Williamson College of the Trades, trade school vs college, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Kevin Oconnor, This Old House, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoconnortoh/

Website: https://officialkevinoconnor.com/

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Jon Lock—a working electrician and trades advocate—to break down the real-world journey through the electrician apprenticeship program, what it’s like navigating the union vs non-union electrician landscape, and the often-overlooked realities of pursuing a skilled trades career path.

Whether you're curious about how to become an electrician, preparing for your electrical journeyman license requirements, or simply passionate about the future of the trades industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflection, and expert insights from someone who’s lived it.

(00:01) – The reality of starting out in the trades: Jon talks about attitude, attendance, and being coachable when entering an electrician apprenticeship program.

(08:42) – Union vs Non-Union: The insider’s take: What to expect from union vs non-union electrician routes, pay differences, and access to tools and training.

(15:36) – Getting into the trades without knowing anyone: Jon shares how he got into the skilled trades career path without prior connections—and how YouTube played a role.

(22:14) – The wages, the timeline, and what to expect: Breaking down the electrical journeyman license requirements and the pay scale from apprentice to journeyman.

(30:50) – Failing the test—then passing it: Jon opens up about failing the licensing exam twice and how he finally earned his license.

(39:05) – Advice for new tradespeople: His top 3 qualities for apprentice success—and how to stand out in today’s trades industry.

Electrician apprenticeship programs are highly competitive—especially in the union system—so showing up, staying humble, and learning fast are key.

Understanding the pros and cons of union vs non-union electrician jobs can change your entire career trajectory.

The skilled trades career path offers solid pay, pride in your work, and long-term job security—but only if you're willing to put in the time.

To meet electrical journeyman license requirements, apprentices need 8,000 hours of work and often several attempts at the licensing test—persistence pays off.

Jon Lock is a licensed electrician and content creator behind Daily Electrician, where he shares the day-to-day realities of the trade on YouTube and Instagram. With experience in both commercial and residential electrical work, Jon speaks from the front lines of the skilled trades industry—offering advice, mentorship, and career insight for those exploring how to become an electrician. He's passionate about craftsmanship, lifelong learning, and helping the next generation navigate their skilled trades career path.

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• YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyElectrician
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DailyElectricianYT