Workforce Development

Why soft skills and a clear career path are becoming the trades' best recruiting tools

Straight Outta Crumpton host Greg Crumpton talks with Windy City Equipment CEO Josh Zolin about why communication and a real career roadmap, not just technical skill, now decide who the trades hire and keep.

The Future of the Trades Depends on Mentorship and Industry Veterans Passing Down the Craft

Across the United States, industries are grappling with a skilled labor shortage. According to industry research, millions of trade jobs are expected to go unfilled in the coming years as experienced workers retire faster than new ones enter the field. At the same time, trade sch

From Second Chances to Stronger Teams: Bradley Henderson on Structure, Culture, and Trades-Based Redemption

The trades have always demanded grit, but grit alone doesn’t build a strong workforce. People need structure, clear expectations, and a sense that their work is taking them somewhere. That’s especially true in HVAC and mechanical services, where employers are trying to hire, reta

Blue-Collar, High-Voltage, and High-Stakes: Rebuilding the Workforce Pipeline with Skilled Trades Mentorship at TradeMentor

The skilled trades are getting squeezed from both sides: demand is rising—driven by grid upgrades, battery storage buildouts, and the reshoring of manufacturing—while the workforce pipeline keeps narrowing. Across construction, manufacturing, and other skilled trades, employers a