Career change at 40? Learn how skilled trades careers, plumbing apprenticeships, and the Trade Up Program help adults start working with your hands.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Lixil America’s Senior National Sales Trainer Vinny Arnese to unpack what it really looks like to make a career change at 40, begin a plumbing apprenticeship, join the Skilled Trades, or shift into a hands-on career through the Trade Up Program.

They break down the rising demand for skilled trades careers, why so many people over 40 are ditching white-collar stress for working with your hands, and how Lixil’s national initiatives support contractors, educators, and the next generation through real advocacy.

Whether you're exploring a career change at 40, researching skilled trades careers, or considering a plumbing apprenticeship, this episode delivers grounded advice, personal stories, and real industry insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

● (00:00) – Why Skilled Trades Careers Are Exploding: Demand, wages, and why more people make a career change at 40.

● (04:52) – Is It Too Late at 40? Real stories of adults shifting careers and finally enjoying working with your hands.

● (10:41) – Inside the Trade Up Program: How Lixil America is reshaping pathways into skilled trades careers through advocacy & education.

● (18:22) – What a Plumbing Apprenticeship Really Looks Like: Earn-while-you-learn, tuition support, and contractor pathways.

● (25:55) – Gen Z, School Counselors & Trades Education: Why the industry needs more structured messaging and exposure.

● (32:14) – Purpose & Fulfillment Through Hands-On Work: Problem-solving, craftsmanship, and why working with your hands transforms lives.

● A career change at 40 is not only realistic—it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing entry points into skilled trades careers.

● A plumbing apprenticeship gives you paid training, fast advancement, and long-term job security without student debt.

● Lixil America’s Trade Up Program is helping adults and students find real pathways into the trades through advocacy and hands-on exposure.

● Working with your hands offers creativity, purpose, problem-solving, and financial stability in a way many white-collar roles no longer provide.

Vinny Arnese is the Senior National Sales Trainer for Lixil America, representing American Standard, GROHE, and DXV. He leads Lixil’s nationwide Trade Up Program, an initiative designed to close the talent gap by guiding students, adults, contractors, and educators toward skilled trades careers—including mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, electricians, millwrights, and construction.

A passionate advocate for the Skilled Trades, Vinny works closely with educators, unions, contractors, and industry experts. His mission is to help anyone—from high school students to those making a career change at 40—discover the stability and fulfillment of working with your hands through training, mentorship, and access to proper education pathways like a plumbing apprenticeship.

Career Change at 40, Skilled Trades Careers, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Trade Up Program, Working With Your Hands, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Vinny Arnese, Lixil, Lixil America, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Contractors, Industry Experts, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinny-arnese-7a71006b/

Lixil Website: https://www.lixil.com/

Union-backed skilled trades careers create long-term opportunity. Tom Bigley joins host Andrew Brown to break down trade school options, union benefits, and how to launch a successful path in the trades industry.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Tom Bigley, Director of Plumbing Services for the United Association, to explore how today’s skilled trades careers really work—covering everything from plumbing union entry requirements to why modern apprenticeships and trade school pipelines offer unmatched union benefits and long-term security.

Tom shares 40+ years of insights on recruitment, opportunities for women, career advancement, pension programs, and how the next generation can thrive across plumbing, welding, HVAC, carpentry, and other trades.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone considering a mid-life pivot into the skilled trades, this episode provides clear, real-world guidance from one of the most respected leaders in the trades industry.

00:01 – Skilled Trades Benefits & Union Advantages: How pensions, healthcare, and union benefits make trades careers uniquely stable.

04:18 – Plumbing Union Career Paths: Tom explains the United Association, leadership roles, and how the plumbing union builds future tradespeople.

11:02 – What Makes Great Apprentices?: Communication, work ethic, and the essential soft skills behind successful apprenticeships.

17:45 – Trade School & Technology Evolution: How modern trade school programs and training centers raise the bar for today’s skilled workers.

25:30 – Recruiting Gen Z & Educating Parents: Why awareness of skilled trades benefits must start at home.

34:40 – How to Join the Union: Step-By-Step: Application tips, timelines, requirements, and how anyone can begin a skilled trades career.

• Apprenticeships in the plumbing union provide unmatched union benefits, from paid training to pensions and healthcare—making them one of the strongest entry points into the skilled trades.
• Trade school and apprenticeships create a debt-free, high-income pathway, often outperforming traditional college outcomes.
• The plumbing union develops more than just craft skills—it produces leaders, project managers, and industry innovators.
• Skilled trades careers offer stability, upward mobility, and real purpose, especially as labor shortages increase opportunities nationwide.

Tom Bigley is the Director of Plumbing Services for the United Association, representing nearly 400,000 tradespeople across plumbing, HVAC, welding, sprinkler fitting, and pipeline work in the U.S. and Canada. With over 44 years in the skilled trades, Tom has served as a business manager, international leader, and Chairman of the World Plumbing Council. He is a lifelong advocate for apprenticeships, trade school pathways, strong union benefits, and building the future of the skilled trades workforce.

Skilled Trades, skilled trades careers, Plumbing Union, plumbing union benefits, Apprenticeships, apprenticeship programs, Trade School Training, union benefits, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Problem-solving, Creativity, Andrew Brown, Tom Bigley, Toolfetch, Plumbing Services of United Association, Industry Experts, Contractors, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Education, Workforce Development, Labor Shortage Solutions, Union vs Non-Union

• Website: https://ua.org/plumbers/
• PHCC website:...

Behind every home built and tool lifted, the Home Depot Foundation is powering skilled trades careers through its Path to Pro trade programs. Courtney Jenkins from the Home Depot Foundation joins host Andrew Brown to discuss how to start a career in the trades, and what’s next for the trades industry.

Host Andrew Brown welcomes Courtney Jenkins, Manager of National Programs and Strategic Partnerships at the Home Depot Foundation, for a deep dive into the future of skilled trades careers. Discover how trade programs, Path to Pro, and national partnerships are training thousands for construction jobs, HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical careers.

Whether you’re exploring education in the trades, a contractor seeking new talent, or someone curious about craftsmanship and problem-solving, this episode shows how advocacy, access, and mentorship are closing the skilled labor gap.

(00:00) – Skilled Trades as Option A: Why trades careers deserve to be the first choice, not a fallback.

(06:45) – Home Depot Foundation’s $50M Commitment: How investment fuels trade programs nationwide.

(13:10) – Path to Pro Platform: Training, mentorship, and scholarships for construction jobs and trades careers.

(22:30) – Fixing the Labor Shortage: How the trades industry is rebuilding America’s workforce.

(33:50) – Real-Life Impact Stories: From high school programs to veterans finding their calling.

(46:15) – Get Involved: How to join Path to Pro, volunteer, or start your own skilled trades initiative.

• The Skilled Trades = Essential Careers: The trades industry fuels America’s economy with construction jobs, HVAC, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers who create lasting impact.
• $50M in Action: Home Depot Foundation’s Impact: Through national trade programs like Path to Pro, the Home Depot Foundation has trained 60,000+ participants and introduced 490,000 people to skilled trades opportunities.
• Education + Advocacy Build the Pipeline: The next generation of tradespeople needs strong mentors, inclusive education, and a culture that celebrates craftsmanship and problem-solving.
• Path to Pro = Path to Success: With free training, scholarships, and job connections, Path to Pro makes starting in the skilled trades accessible, debt-free, and rewarding.

Courtney Jenkins serves as Manager of National Programs and Strategic Partnerships at the Home Depot Foundation, leading initiatives that expand access to trade programs, strengthen the trades industry, and help close the construction jobs gap. Through Path to Pro, she advocates for education, diversity, and long-term career growth in the skilled trades.

Skilled Trades, Construction Jobs, Home Depot Foundation, Trade Programs, Path to Pro, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Courtney Jenkins, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Home Depot's Path to Pro Website: https://pathtopro.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyjenkins90/

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Electrician apprenticeship, union vs non-union electricians, and the career change to trades — a story for anyone wondering if it’s too late to start over.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Brandon McKane, a former Trader Joe’s manager who walked away from corporate life at 36 to begin an electrician apprenticeship and rebuild his life in the skilled trades industry.

With over 80,000 electricians needed every year through 2030, Brandon’s journey offers a real-world look at why so many people are leaving their desks behind for hands-on work — and how a career change to trades can bring purpose, stability, and pride.

They talk about the emotional and financial leap of starting over, the reality of apprentice pay, what it’s like to explain the shift to your family, and how the right mentors can change everything. Brandon also shares the unfiltered truth about the union vs non-union electrician experience, and what it takes to go from shop helper to journeyman.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 00:00 – The electrician shortage: why 80,000 are needed every year
• 02:35 – Meet Brandon McKane: from Trader Joe’s to trades
• 07:10 – The pay cut, the leap, and family conversations
• 12:42 – Apprenticeship reality: pay, training, and safety
• 19:18 – Union vs non-union: pros, cons, and real numbers
• 25:36 – Mentorship and learning from journeymen
• 32:10 – Social media’s impact on the new generation of tradespeople
• 38:20 – Why it’s never too late to start over
• 44:55 – The future of electrification and opportunity

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Why America needs 80,000 electricians a year — and where that demand is coming from
2. How Brandon left a 15-year corporate career to start over at 36
3. The truth about apprentice pay vs. long-term earnings
4. Union vs non-union electricians: what he learned on both sides
5. How tradespeople often earn more than many white-collar careers
6. The mindset shift: finding purpose, progress, and pride in hands-on work
7. Why mentorship and the right foreman can change your life
8. How the trades can become more welcoming to everyone
9. Why it’s never too late for a career change to trades

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Brandon McKane is a non-union apprentice electrician at Sunlight & Power (Berkeley, CA). After 15+ years in retail management, he made a career change to trades, attends night classes, and works on prevailing-wage solar projects. He’s passionate about safety, mentorship, craftsmanship, and helping others navigate how to become an electrician through the electrician apprenticeship route—union or non-union.

KEYWORDS:

electrician apprenticeship, skilled trades careers, electrician shortage 2030, union vs non-union electricians, career change to trades, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Brandon McKane, 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/brandonjmckane/overlay/photo/

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Cobot welding, welding automation, and collaborative robots are transforming skilled trades careers amid a major welder shortage.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Sam Noland of ITW Miller Welding Automation about how cobot welding empowers Tradespeople across Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, and Construction. They explore training, ROI, and how automation is elevating—not replacing—the Skilled Trades Industry.

Whether you're a Contractor, Industry Expert, or student exploring Trades Careers, this episode uncovers how collaborative robots bridge technology and Craftsmanship, fueling the next generation of Problem-solving and Creativity in the Trades Industry.

• (00:00) — What cobot welding is and why it’s reshaping Skilled Trades Careers.
• (06:12) — How collaborative robots extend the careers of veteran welders and reduce fatigue.
• (12:45) — The welder shortage: how automation and trade-school reform create opportunity.
• (19:30) — Real-world welding automation ROI and cost breakdown for small shop owners.
• (27:05) — Partnering with Toolfetch, Contractors, and Industry Experts for training and Education.
• (33:50) — Future of Skilled Trades: how Automation, Craftsmanship, and Advocacy intersect.

1. Cobot welding and welding automation expand—not eliminate—jobs by enhancing Craftsmanship and efficiency in Skilled Trades.
2. Collaborative robots speed up production while keeping quality high, addressing the growing welder shortage.
3. Skilled trades careers in HVAC, Carpentry, Electricians, Plumbers, and Millwrights are evolving to include robotics and automation skills.
4. Partnerships with Toolfetch, Industry Experts, and the Skilled Trades Advisory Council are critical to advancing Education, Problem-solving, and Creativity in the Trades Industry.

Sam Noland is an Advanced Process Specialist at ITW Miller Welding Automation, where he leads initiatives in cobot welding and welding automation integration for global manufacturing clients. A champion for Tradespeople and Skilled Trades Education, Sam helps shops leverage collaborative robots to boost quality, efficiency, and career longevity. His work embodies the next evolution of Craftsmanship—where technology meets human skill.

Cobot Welding, Welding Automation, Collaborative Robots, Welder Shortage, Skilled Trades Careers, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Tradespeople, Contractors, Industry Experts, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Education, Advocacy, Andrew Brown, Sam Noland

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-noland-66285262/

Welding careers, skilled trades, and welding apprenticeship programs take center stage as Andrew Brown sits down with John King of JK Welding at the FABTECH welding expo.

Host Andrew Brown explores how welding careers grow through passion, not just pay, and why Skilled Trades like construction, HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry remain the backbone of the Trades Industry. From welding apprenticeship programs to pipeline welding jobs, John King shares his real-world lessons on leadership, craftsmanship, and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.

If you’re curious about trades careers, the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, or how to scale a fabrication business like JK Welding, this episode delivers practical guidance for aspiring industry experts, contractors, and hands-on creators.

• (00:00) – Welding Careers & Passion: Why passion fuels long-term success in the Skilled Trades and welding careers more than money ever could.
• (07:45) – Gen Z & Apprenticeship Programs: How to build a stronger welding apprenticeship pipeline and inspire new tradespeople through education.
• (16:20) – Is Welding a Dying Trade?: The truth about the Trades Industry shortage and how pipeline welding jobs offer growth opportunities.
• (24:05) – From Welder to Entrepreneur: John King on building JK Welding, scaling with craftsmanship, and leading skilled contractors.
• (33:10) – Career Growth Paths: How trades careers in construction, millwrighting, and electricians compare to pipeline welding jobs for earning potential.
• (42:30) – Skilled Trades Advocacy: How the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Toolfetch, and industry experts strengthen education across the trades.

● Welding careers begin with passion. The most successful tradespeople master craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity before chasing paychecks.

● Welding apprenticeship programs are the cornerstone of education in the Trades Industry, helping Gen Z build lifelong trades careers.

● Pipeline welding jobs and field work can lead to six-figure incomes—but balance matters for family life and stability.

● Collaboration among industry experts, contractors, Toolfetch, and the Skilled Trades Advisory Council drives advocacy and long-term sustainability for the Skilled Trades.

John King, founder and CEO of JK Welding, transformed his love for welding into one of Texas’s leading fabrication shops. A self-taught entrepreneur, John built his company on craftsmanship, problem-solving, and mentorship—helping grow welding apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation of tradespeople. His leadership in the Trades Industry has made him a respected voice for education, advocacy, and Skilled Trades innovation showcased at the FABTECH welding expo.

Welding Careers, Skilled Trades, Welding Apprenticeship, Pipeline Welding Jobs, FABTECH Welding Expo, Trades Industry, Construction, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Contractors, Industry Experts, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Education, Advocacy

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-king-15675117/

Website: https://jkwelding.net/

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

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Skilled trades careers and welding salaries revealed! Host Andrew Brown talks with Western Welding Academy’s Tyler Sasse about apprenticeships, high-pressure pipe welding, and how Gen Z is reshaping the trades industry.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Tyler Sasse, CEO of Western Welding Academy, to uncover the realities of skilled trades careers today. From welding jobs salary myths to the truth about welding apprenticeship programs and why high-pressure pipe welding remains one of the most lucrative specialties, they dig into how young Tradespeople can build rewarding Trades Careers in construction, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, and more.

They also discuss the role of Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, and Creativity in the Trades Industry, plus the impact of advocacy groups advocacy efforts like the Skilled Trades Advisory Council and industry partners (like Toolfetch) that support gear, learning, and growth.

00:00 — Why Skilled Trades matter now: Host Andrew Brown sets the stage; introducing Tyler Sasse and Western Welding Academy; outcomes vs. myths around welding jobs salary.

04:12 — Gen Z motivations & training: Hands-on learning, Education pathways, and how welding apprenticeship programs build Problem-solving and Creativity.

12:45 — Where the money is: Why high-pressure pipe welding commands top rates; clarifying Trades Careers across HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, and Construction.

21:30 — From worker to owner: Craftsmanship, leadership, and scaling impact; connecting with Industry Experts, Contractors, and tools suppliers like Toolfetch.

31:05 — Curriculum & outcomes: How Western Welding Academy measures success; pay-stub proof of welding jobs salary; advancing within the Trades Industry.

42:18 — Advocacy & next steps: Building community through the Skilled Trades Advisory Council; practical routes into skilled trades careers and sustaining Tradespeople growth.

1. Outcomes beat opinions: Real welding jobs salary data and pay-stubs show strong earnings—especially via high-pressure pipe welding and structured welding apprenticeship programs.
2. Talent needs direction: Gen Z brings Creativity and grit; the right Education pathway in Skilled Trades turns potential into professional Craftsmanship and career mobility.
3. Broader ecosystem matters: Success spans Construction, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights—with Industry Experts, Contractors, and partners like Toolfetch supporting tools, training, and hiring.
4. Advocacy drives access: The Skilled Trades Advisory Council and community voices (e.g., Andrew Brown, Tyler Sasse) elevate Trades Careers, Problem-solving, and long-term paths in the Trades Industry.

Tyler Sasse is the CEO/founder of Western Welding Academy, a training organization focused on production-grade quality, work ethic, and job-ready outcomes. His team emphasizes welding apprenticeship programs, advanced techniques like high-pressure pipe welding, and career coaching that leads to real-world gains in welding jobs salary across the Trades Industry.

Skilled Trades Careers, Welding Jobs Salary, Western Welding Academy, High-Pressure Pipe Welding, Welding Apprenticeship Programs, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Construction, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Andrew Brown, Tyler Sasse, Toolfetch, Industry Experts, Contractors, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Education, Advocacy, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Instagram:

What would you do with $50 million? Lowe’s decided to invest it into the future of the skilled trades—training 50,000 people for careers in plumbing, welding, electrical, HVAC, and more.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Betsy Conway, Director of the Lowe’s Foundation, to explore how skilled trades careers are being shaped by Lowe’s Foundation grants, plumbing apprenticeship programs, and SkillsUSA training programs. They dive deep into how nonprofits, community colleges, and industry experts are tackling the welding workforce shortage, empowering new electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC techs, and contractors.

Whether you’re just starting in the trades industry or looking to grow, this episode delivers insights into mentorship, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and trades careers advocacy that define the future of the skilled trades.

● (00:00) – Skilled Trades Careers Overview: Why the trades industry needs plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and HVAC pros now more than ever.

● (02:15) – Lowe’s Foundation Grants: Investing $50M to train 50,000 people for rewarding trades careers.

● (08:40) – Welding Workforce Shortage: Why the U.S. needs 320,000 welders by 2029 and how SkillsUSA training programs are stepping in.

● (15:10) – Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs: How mentorship, apprenticeships, and education change lives.

● (23:30) – Education & Access: Mobile training labs bringing opportunity to underserved communities.

● (35:55) – Tools of the Trade Advice: Betsy Conway’s no-limits mindset for aspiring tradespeople.

● Lowe’s Foundation grants are fueling innovation at community colleges and nonprofits, making skilled trades careers more accessible.

● The welding workforce shortage is real—hundreds of thousands of welders are needed, and SkillsUSA training programs are preparing the next generation

● Plumbing apprenticeship programs and mentorship create viable career paths for women, career changers, and young professionals.

● Success in the trades industry relies on craftsmanship, creativity, advocacy, and strong peer networks of tradespeople.

Betsy Conway is the Director of the Lowe’s Foundation, where she leads initiatives to tackle America’s skilled trades workforce crisis. Through strategic Lowe’s Foundation grants and partnerships with nonprofits, community colleges, and SkillsUSA training programs, she helps create accessible plumbing apprenticeship programs, addresses the welding workforce shortage, and champions opportunities for future electricians, carpenters, HVAC techs, contractors, and millwrights.

Skilled Trades Careers, Lowe’s Foundation Grants, Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs, Welding Workforce Shortage, SkillsUSA Training Programs, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Tradespeople, Andrew Brown, Betsy Conway, Lowes Foundation, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Industry Experts, Advocacy, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Education, Mentorship, Trades Careers Growth

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-conway/

Lowe’s Foundation: https://lowesfoundation.org

Instagram: @LowesFoundation

If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolbox

Every dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.