This Old House Host Kevin O’Connor on Why the Trades Still Matter

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They also confront outdated assumptions around the trade school vs college debate — and what needs to happen for the next generation to see the skilled trades not as a fallback, but as a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

IN THIS EPISODE:

[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

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

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The trade school vs college decision should be based on ROI and lifestyle, not outdated assumptions or prestige.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

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.

KEYWORDS:

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

RESOURCE LINKS:

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

Website: https://officialkevinoconnor.com/