Skilled trades careers are in demand. Betsy Conway joins Andrew Brown to discuss Lowe’s Foundation grants, plumbing apprenticeship programs, SkillsUSA training, and the welding workforce shortage.

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

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Women in welding, skilled trades careers, and welding education programs take center stage. Shanen Aranmor of Weld Like a Girl joins host Andrew Brown to explore virtual welding training, SkillsUSA welding, and how mentorship and early exposure shape the next generation of tradespeople.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, to discuss breaking stigmas in the trades industry and opening doors to rewarding skilled trades careers. From welding education programs and virtual welding training to SkillsUSA welding competitions, Shannon shares actionable ways to inspire tradespeople—from second graders to Gen Z apprentices.

Whether you’re interested in carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, or millwrights, this episode reveals how craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity fuel career growth in the skilled trades.

• (00:00) – Why skilled trades careers matter and the stigma facing women in welding
• (04:35) – Encouragement, guidance counselors, and role models for women in welding
• (12:20) – Early exposure: shop classes, welding education programs, and community colleges
• (22:50) – Tech that sparks interest: virtual welding training, gamification, and simulators
• (35:30) – Homeschool competitions, mentorship, teamwork, and craftsmanship
• (52:15) – Inside SkillsUSA welding: sculpture judging, soft skills, and employer expectations

• Exposure changes everything. Kids can’t pursue skilled trades careers if they’ve never seen welding booths, tools, or shop classes.
• Representation is powerful. Role models show that women in welding belong in the trades industry.
• Tech builds bridges. Virtual welding training creates safe and scalable on-ramps for students and schools.
• Soft skills matter. SkillsUSA welding competitions reward teamwork, communication, and professionalism as much as technical skills.

Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, is a certified welding inspector, educator, and fabricator based in Yuma, AZ. She develops welding education programs for schools, veterans, and youth, advocates for women in welding, and champions pathways into skilled trades careers.

Women in Welding, Skilled Trades Careers, Welding Education Programs, Virtual Welding Training, SkillsUSA Welding, Shanen Aranmor, Weld Like a Girl, Andrew Brown, Michael Krupnicki, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Industry Experts, Contractors, Toolfetch, SkillsUSA

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

Website: https://weldlikeagirl.us/

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Autism skilled trades programs are transforming careers. Danny Combs joins Andrew Brown to discuss TACT, electrician training, and workforce development.

Host Andrew Brown speaks with Danny Combs, founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), about how autism skilled trades programs create real opportunities for employment for autistic adults in trades. They break down how electrician training for autistic individuals, carpentry, HVAC, and welding are reshaping the trades industry—and why neurodiversity workforce development is vital for the future of skilled trades.

This episode delivers practical insights for contractors, educators, and industry experts who want to strengthen advocacy, build inclusive programs, and prepare the next generation of tradespeople.

● (00:02) – The $2.2M cost families face and the gap in autism skilled trades programs.

● (07:15) – Danny Combs’ background, Nashville music career, and trades family roots.

● (15:40) – The start of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) and Temple Grandin’s advice.

● (26:10) – From a warehouse to a 19,000 sq ft facility with Subaru, Toyota, and more.

● (38:25) – Why employment for autistic adults in trades matters for the economy.

● (49:50) – Expansion, advocacy, and the future of neurodiversity workforce development.

● Autism skilled trades programs provide real career pathways beyond low-skill jobs.

● Employment for autistic adults in trades fills labor shortages in electricians, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and more.

● Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) leads the way in neurodiversity workforce development.

● Electrician training for autistic individuals proves trades careers can be debt-free, high-paying, and fulfilling.

Danny Combs is the founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), a nonprofit equipping autistic youth and adults with skills in carpentry, HVAC, electrical, welding, and more. Drawing from his music background, trades family legacy, and fatherhood journey, Danny built TACT into a nationally recognized leader in autism skilled trades programs and neurodiversity workforce development, helping create meaningful careers and reshaping the skilled trades industry.

Autism Skilled Trades Programs, Employment for Autistic Adults in Trades, Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), Neurodiversity Workforce Development, Electrician Training for Autistic Individuals, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Contractors, Education, Advocacy, Industry Experts, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-combs-m-a-bccs-cas-90987613a/

Website: https://www.buildwithtact.org/

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Careers in manufacturing and skilled trades jobs are booming. Roger Atkins (NTMA) joins Andrew Brown to discuss manufacturing apprenticeship programs, reshoring manufacturing USA, and high paying trade careers.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Roger Atkins, President of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA), to explore how today’s skilled trades jobs are shaping the future of the trades industry. From the growth of manufacturing apprenticeship programs to the nationwide push for reshoring manufacturing USA, they cover how to build high paying trade careers that rival college pathways.

Whether you’re just starting out, considering a career change, or advising young people, this episode provides real insights into the future of the skilled trades.

● (00:00) – Careers in Manufacturing Today: Why trades careers matter more than ever.

● (04:32) – Skilled Trades Jobs vs. Service Jobs: The hidden financial difference.

● (12:15) – Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs: Earn while you learn pathways into trades.

● (22:40) – Reshoring Manufacturing USA: Why supply chains are shifting back home.

● (33:10) – High Paying Trade Careers: From $18/hr apprenticeships to six-figure tradespeople.

● (44:55) – The Future of the Trades Industry: AI, technology, and advocacy reshaping the landscape.

● Careers in manufacturing offer advancement and stability far beyond entry-level jobs.

● Skilled trades jobs like carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and millwrights provide lifelong pathways.

● Manufacturing apprenticeship programs allow people to train debt-free while earning a wage.

● Reshoring manufacturing USA is driving demand for high paying trade careers across small and medium businesses.

Roger Atkins is the President of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA). With decades in the trades industry, Roger has been a leading advocate for reshoring initiatives, building manufacturing apprenticeship programs, and expanding awareness of skilled trades jobs. His work with the Skilled Trades Advisory Council and industry experts focuses on creating high paying trade careers for future generations of tradespeople, contractors, and career changers.

Careers in Manufacturing, Skilled Trades Jobs, Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs, Reshoring Manufacturing USA, High Paying Trade Careers, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Industry Experts, Andrew Brown, Roger Atkins, National Tooling & Machining Association, NTMA, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Advocacy, Education, Trades Careers

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-atkins/

Website: https://ntma.org/

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From nursing to female mechanic, flipping cars for profit, and building Crown's Corner Mechanic.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Desiree Hill, known as She Mechanic, about her bold career change to trades—from healthcare to launching Crown’s Corner Mechanic. They explore how women are breaking into skilled trades careers, what it takes to succeed as a female mechanic, and the role of flipping cars for profit in building confidence and skills.

This inspiring conversation highlights the future of the trades industry, the importance of mentorship, and how social media is helping more people find their path in plumbing apprenticeships, carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and construction craftsmanship.

IN THIS EPISODE:

● (00:00) – Introduction: Andrew Brown on skilled trades careers & industry advocacy

● (03:12) – Desiree’s path: Career change to trades from nursing into mechanics

● (08:25) – Flipping cars for profit: Building confidence & skills with hands-on learning

● (15:40) – Launching Crown’s Corner Mechanic: From driveway projects to a full shop

● (24:18) – Women in the trades industry: Female mechanic success stories & plumbing apprenticeships

● (36:55) – Lessons in entrepreneurship: Problem-solving, creativity & leadership in skilled trades careers

Key Takeaways:

● A career change to trades is possible at any age—Desiree Hill proves it with her journey from nursing to becoming a successful female mechanic.

● Flipping cars for profit can be a gateway to learning, entrepreneurship, and a long-term role in the skilled trades industry.

● Social media is breaking barriers by showcasing women in plumbing apprenticeships, carpentry, HVAC, electricians, and construction trades careers.

● Building a personal brand like She Mechanic inspires the next generation of skilled tradespeople and advocates for industry-wide change.

About the Guest:

Desiree Hill, also known as She Mechanic, is the founder of Crown’s Corner Mechanic. A former healthcare worker turned female mechanic, she built her career by flipping cars for profit and teaching herself mechanical skills. Now a respected advocate in the trades industry, she uses her platform to inspire women and the next generation of skilled trades careers through mentorship, education, and real-world problem-solving.

Keywords:

Skilled Trades Careers, Career Change to Trades, Female Mechanic, Flipping Cars for Profit, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Education, Industry Experts, Contractors, Andrew Brown, Desiree Hill, She Mechanic, Crown's Corner Mechanic, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity

Resource Links:

• TikTok: @SheMechanic
• Instagram: CrownsCorner_SheMechanic
• Website: Crown's Corner Mechanics

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Want a high-paying plumbing trade career? Daniel Quinonez joins Andrew Brown to share plumbing apprenticeship programs, PHCC Educational Foundation training, and plumbing job opportunities.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Daniel Quinonez, COO of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and leader within the PHCC Educational Foundation, about building successful plumbing trade careers. They break down plumbing apprenticeship programs, the demand for high-paying skilled trades, and how to access the best plumbing job opportunities.

From career changers to young apprentices, Daniel shares insider tips on navigating the trades industry, breaking misconceptions about plumbers, and finding your place among tradespeople in plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and beyond.

(00:00) – Introduction: Why the trades industry needs more plumbers and how plumbing trade careers are thriving.

(05:22) – Plumbing apprenticeship programs explained: pay, timelines, and earning while learning.

(12:47) – The PHCC Educational Foundation: training, scholarships, and advocacy for skilled trades.

(21:33) – The truth about high-paying skilled trades and entrepreneurship in plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry.

(33:15) – Career changers in the trades industry: from corporate jobs to plumbing job opportunities.

(45:50) – Why craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity define great trades careers.

● Plumbing trade careers can lead to six-figure incomes without college debt.

● Plumbing apprenticeship programs offer hands-on training, certification, and industry connections.

● The PHCC Educational Foundation empowers tradespeople with resources and scholarships.

● High-paying skilled trades like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical offer stability, growth, and recession-proof work.

Daniel Quinonez is the Chief Operating Officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and a driving force behind the PHCC Educational Foundation. A veteran advocate for skilled trades education, Daniel works with contractors, industry experts, and the Skilled Trades Advisory Council to expand plumbing apprenticeship programs and create more plumbing job opportunities nationwide. His work spans multiple trades—including plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and construction—while championing craftsmanship, problem-solving, and the future of the trades industry.

Plumbing Trade Careers, Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs, PHCC Educational Foundation, High-Paying Skilled Trades, Plumbing Job Opportunities, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Daniel Quinonez, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Tradespeople, Contractors, Industry Experts, Advocacy, Education, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Trades Careers

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-quinonez-690ba68/

Website: https://www.phccweb.org/

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Women in STEM are rising. Meet Destiny Simone Adams, a TikTok STEM creator breaking barriers in robotics competitions and Skilled Trades education.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Destiny Simone Adams, a STEM content creator and advocate for Black Girls Who Code, about competing in all-male robotics competitions, building her personal brand on TikTok, and creating inclusive paths in the Skilled Trades for the next generation. From her early start at age 7 to teaching over 1,000 girls to code, Destiny shares how STEM education for girls can unlock careers in construction, HVAC, carpentry, and beyond. This episode brings raw inspiration, real advice, and powerful insights into crafting your own career path, whether you're 17 or 37.

● (00:02:00) – Breaking into robotics competitions as the only girl competitor

● (00:08:30) – How Black Girls Who Code shaped Destiny’s path in women in STEM

● (00:14:15) – Starting the first all-girls robotics team in South Fulton

● (00:22:00) – Fusing tech + art through wearable electronics and problem-solving

● (00:31:45) – Building a personal brand for STEM education for girls on TikTok

● (00:44:00) – Advice for young tradespeople entering the Trades Industry

● Women in STEM need visibility—and Destiny became that example in national robotics competitions.

● STEM education for girls is essential to diversify and grow the future Skilled Trades workforce.

● Personal branding and authenticity on TikTok can drive awareness and opportunity in the Trades Industry.

● Teaching trades-related STEM topics (like mechatronics, electronics, and wearable tech) can bridge gaps in education, craftsmanship, and representation.

Destiny Simone Adams (aka @IOTLab616) is a TikTok STEM creator, engineer, artist, and educator. A longtime advocate for STEM education for girls, Destiny is affiliated with organizations like Black Girls Who Code, Women in Technology, and the Skilled Trades Advisory Council. She’s taught over 1,000 girls to code, built viral robotic projects, and uses social media to highlight opportunities in the Skilled Trades, including paths in construction, plumbing, electricians, and carpentry. Destiny is passionate about mentorship, community leadership, and reshaping what the next generation of tradespeople can look like.

Women in STEM, Robotics Competition, STEM Education for Girls, Black Girls Who Code, Skilled Trades Podcast, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Destiny Adams, Destiny Simone Adams, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Advocacy, Contractors, Industry Experts, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Education, Problem-solving, Creativity

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iotlab616

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinyadamsinternational/?hl=en

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Skilled trades shortage is a growing crisis. Mark Hedstrom joins Andrew Brown to discuss workforce gaps, SkillsUSA, and trade school vs college realities.

The skilled trades shortage is no longer coming. It’s here. In this episode, Host Andrew Brown speaks with Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, live from the floor of the SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. Together, they break down what students, parents, employers, and educators need to know to build a stronger trades workforce.

From trade school vs college decisions to why soft skills training is critical for long-term success, Mark shares urgent insights on how to solve the talent pipeline problem in skilled trades careers like HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and millwrighting. This is essential listening for anyone invested in the future of the trades industry.

Whether you're a student, contractor, educator, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insight from two leading voices in the trades industry.

● (00:51) – SkillsUSA Competition: 6,000 students preparing for skilled trades careers

● (05:42) – Why the skilled trades shortage is bigger than most people think

● (12:35) – Trade School vs College: Which has better ROI in today’s economy?

● (21:08) – Soft skills training: The hidden key to success in the trades

● (30:14) – Social media’s power in trades recruitment and storytelling

● (43:49) – Mentorship, placement, and what employers must do differently

● The skilled trades shortage is projected to leave hundreds of thousands of roles unfilled in plumbing, construction, and manufacturing.

● Students need help navigating trade school vs college pathways—with clearer ROI comparisons and better exposure to career outcomes.

● Soft skills training is often the differentiator between a good hire and a great future leader in the trades.

● Employers should recruit directly from events like the SkillsUSA competition to meet top-tier young talent ready for careers in the trades industry.

Mark Hedstrom is the Executive Director of the Steel Careers Coalition, an initiative committed to solving the skilled trades shortage through national partnerships, career exploration tools, and storytelling platforms like Skills Jam. With a background in nonprofit leadership and public health, Mark is an advocate for skilled trades careers, intergenerational mentorship, and better workforce development across education, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

Skilled Trades Careers, SkillsUSA Competition, Soft Skills Training, Trade School vs College, Skilled Trades Shortage, Andrew Brown, Mark Hedstrom, Steel Careers Coalition, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Carpentry, HVAC, Construction, Contractors, Tradespeople, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Toolfetch, Craftsmanship, Creativity, Problem-solving, Education, Advocacy, Industry Experts, Mentorship, Social Media in Trades

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

Website: https://skilledcareers.org/

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