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.

electrician apprenticeship program, union vs non-union electrician, how to become an electrician, skilled trades career path, electrical journeyman license requirements, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Jon Lock, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

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

Host Andrew Brown sits down with serial entrepreneur and LiveSwitch founder Brian Hamilton to unpack what it really takes to succeed when starting a trades business. Brian shares real stories—from mentoring an ex-inmate contractor to lessons learned from running multi-million dollar tech and service companies. This episode is packed with contractor business advice, deep reflections on skilled trades entrepreneurship, and no-nonsense talk about pricing for tradespeople and providing exceptional trade business customer service. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or HVAC tech, this one’s for you.

(00:03:30) – Brian Hamilton’s background and why the trades are the backbone of the economy

(00:10:20) – The leap from skilled worker to business owner

(00:18:45) – What new contractors get wrong about pricing and customers

(00:30:00) – Real-world examples of success—and failure—when starting a trades business

(00:42:15) – Why mentorship and education are key to skilled trades entrepreneurship

(00:54:10) – How LiveSwitch helps contractors improve trade business customer service

The trades are a mission, not just a job. Passion for craftsmanship and problem-solving is what separates great tradespeople from good ones.

You need more than skills—you need systems. Running a business takes financial literacy, contractor business advice, and self-discipline.

Customer service is your brand. Showing up on time and doing what you say you will do is the heart of effective trade business customer service.

Start small, price smart. When starting a trades business, don't be afraid to take smaller jobs with the right margin—master pricing for tradespeople early.

Brian Hamilton is the founder of LiveSwitch and Inmates to Entrepreneurs, with a decades-long career spanning tech startups and skilled trades entrepreneurship. A passionate advocate for contractors, tradespeople, and second chances, Brian helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn grit into growth using actionable, real-world insights. His mission? Empower people through small business ownership, especially in the trades industry.

starting a trades business, skilled trades entrepreneurship, contractor business advice, pricing for tradespeople, trade business customer service, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Brian Hamilton, LiveSwitch, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

• Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianhamiltonnc
• X: https://x.com/brianhamiltonnc

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Cale Mouser, a standout figure in the world of Skilled Trades Careers and Diesel Technician Training. From his humble beginnings as a mechanic in Kansas to competing on the global stage at WorldSkills Competition USA, Cale shares his inspiring path through technical college programs, international recognition, and the powerful role of industry support for trades. Whether you're an aspiring tradesperson, contractor, educator, or advocate, this episode offers invaluable insights into the trades industry and what it takes to build a successful future in skilled trades.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(01:45) – Cale’s early days in Kansas and entry into the trades

(04:30) – The support from Caterpillar, Volvo, and other manufacturers

(08:10) – What it’s like competing at WorldSkills Competition USA

(12:50) – The value of technical college programs in the trades

(18:20) – Career growth potential in diesel technician training

(24:15) – Cale’s transition from competitor to instructor

Key Takeaways:

Industry support for trades can open doors to elite training and career advancement.

Diesel technician training is a gateway to fulfilling and high-earning careers in the skilled trades.

Events like WorldSkills Competition USA elevate the perception of trades careers globally.

Technical college programs provide practical, hands-on education that leads directly to the workforce.

About the Guest:

Cale Mouser is a diesel technician turned educator who competed in WorldSkills Competition USA, representing the best in Skilled Trades Careers. A graduate of North Dakota State College of Science, Cale now teaches the next generation of tradespeople and serves as a passionate advocate for technical education and industry support for trades.

Keywords:

Skilled trades careers, Diesel technician training, WorldSkills competition USA, Technical college programs, Industry support for trades, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Cale Mouser, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mouser_motorsports/

WorldSkills USA profile: https://worldskillsusa.org/team/cale-mouser/

Host Andrew Brown welcomes Ryan Sullivan, founder of The Ryan Sullivan Show and Podcast Principles. They dive into Ryan’s journey from working as a mechanic to becoming a podcast strategist and entrepreneur. Ryan shares how the skilled trades industry shaped his work ethic and creativity, and how tradespeople can harness the power of podcasting and branding to elevate their blue collar businesses. Whether you're interested in skilled trades careers, starting a trades podcast, or making the leap from mechanic to business owner, this episode delivers valuable insights for both trades professionals and industry advocates.

[00:03] – Discovering entrepreneurship through skilled trades careers

[09:21] – Ryan's first job at a generational auto shop

[18:14] – From mechanic to business owner: turning shop skills into a brand

[25:35]– The importance of trades business branding in the digital age

[32:42]– How starting a trades podcast can open doors

[44:10]– Using podcasting for advocacy and trades industry storytelling

Skilled trades careers can be the gateway to lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

You don’t need a degree to build a fulfilling career—blue collar entrepreneurship is thriving more than ever.

Starting a trades podcast is one of the most effective ways to grow your network, build trust, and tell your story.

Strong trades business branding helps contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople stand out in a noisy online world.

Ryan Sullivan is the founder of Podcast Principles and host of The Ryan Sullivan Show. With a background as an auto mechanic and DJ, Ryan eventually transitioned into media production, building a thriving business helping clients start and grow their podcasts. His passion for Skilled Trades, storytelling, and entrepreneurship continues to drive his mission of elevating tradespeople and empowering them to use their voice in the digital age.

Skilled trades careers, starting a trades podcast, blue collar entrepreneurship, trades business branding, from mechanic to business owner, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Ryan Sullivan, The Ryan Sullivan Show, Podcast Principles, 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/sullybop/
• Website: https://www.podcastprinciples.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryanrsullivan

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Bharani Rajakumar, CEO of Transfr, to explore the future of the skilled trades industry through the lens of virtual reality job training and trade school alternatives. From transformative success stories to the power of career exploration without a four-year degree, this conversation highlights real opportunities in skilled trades careers—including for women in the trades. Discover how technology is revolutionizing how we train, inspire, and build the next generation of craftsmen, contractors, and tradespeople.

(02:05) - The powerful story of a former inmate who used VR job training to launch a manufacturing career

(08:30) - Why traditional education fails to highlight skilled trades careers as viable options

(13:55) - What Transfr is doing to change the game in career training using VR

(21:12) - The rise of women in the trades and why it matters more than ever

(27:40) - How career exploration through VR is shaping trade school alternatives

(35:00) Why the future of the trades industry includes entrepreneurship, ownership, and upward mobility without college

Virtual reality job training allows learners to safely explore multiple trades before committing to a specific path—empowering more informed decisions.

Skilled trades careers offer early access to high-paying, fulfilling work—without student debt or a four-year degree.

There’s a growing movement of women in the trades, proving that career success in HVAC, carpentry, welding, and electrical work is not gender-bound.

Through trade school alternatives like Transfr’s VR training, learners gain hands-on experience and real-world confidence that translate directly into jobs.

Bharani Rajakumar is the founder and CEO of Transfr, a company using cutting-edge virtual reality job training to build career exploration tools for the skilled trades industry. With a mission rooted in upward mobility without college, Bharani is a thought leader in developing trade school alternatives that prepare learners of all ages—including women in the trades—for successful careers in construction, HVAC, welding, and more.

Skilled trades careers, virtual reality job training, trade school alternatives, upward mobility without college, women in the trades, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Bharani Rajakumar, Transfr, 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/bharanidharan-rajakumar-98aa1a1/
• Website: https://transfrinc.com/

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Crystal Latham-Alford, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Texas. They dive into the impact of SkillsUSA competitions, the importance of career technical education (CTE), and how students can prepare for successful skilled trades careers. Crystal shares insights on how trade school opportunities help bridge the gap in the workforce, the role of soft skills training, and how industries can better support the next generation of tradespeople. If you're passionate about craftsmanship, problem-solving, and trades careers, this episode is a must-listen!

(00:02:15) – What is SkillsUSA and how it prepares students for skilled trades careers

(00:08:40) – The importance of career technical education (CTE) and hands-on learning

(00:15:10) – How SkillsUSA competitions simulate real-world work environments

(00:23:45) – The role of soft skills training in career readiness for tradespeople

(00:35:20) – How industry leaders and educators can support trade school opportunities

(00:42:50) – Inspiring success stories from SkillsUSA competitors

SkillsUSA competitions help students develop technical and leadership skills, preparing them for skilled trades careers.

Career technical education (CTE) provides hands-on learning that bridges the gap between school and the workforce.

Soft skills training, such as communication and problem-solving, is just as important as technical skills for long-term success in trades careers.

Trade school opportunities offer viable career paths in industries like carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, millwrights, and construction.

Crystal Latham-Alford is the Executive Director of SkillsUSA Texas, a leader in career technical education (CTE) and workforce development. With a passion for trades careers, she works to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, professional development, and networking opportunities in industries like construction, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. Under her leadership, SkillsUSA competitions continue to shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

SkillsUSA competition, skilled trades careers, career technical education (CTE), trade school opportunities, soft skills training, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Crystal Latham-Alford, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council.

RESOURCE LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-latham-alford-89b417173/