Welcome to the inaugural edition of In the Tradez!

This issue, we're looking at a huge boom in demand for skilled labor, the jobs that are powering it, the gear you need to stay cool on the job, and of course some epic content from the tradies out there saving our cities.

TRADIE NEWS 📣

Demand for skilled trades is booming, with Mike Rowe highlighting the need for 500,000 electricians and 100,000 welders in the US. AI is not coming for those jobs. LINK

SkillsUSA highlights National Signing Day for skilled trades, where students commit to careers in trades like HVAC and electrical, with events featuring influencers and industry leaders. LINK

Micron’s $100B semiconductor project in New York needs 2,500 electricians by 2029, spurring IBEW apprenticeship growth. LINK

Apple’s $600B U.S. investment in a new domestic silicon supply chain is driving demand for thousands of skilled trades jobs in Arizona. LINK

COOL JOBS 👷‍♂️

HVAC & Plumbing

• HVAC Mechanic: Learn to install, maintain, and repair crucial heating and cooling systems, a foundational skill in the modern trades. LINK

• Journeyman Plumber: A high-paying, hands-on role diagnosing and fixing complex plumbing systems in a growing market. LINK

Electrical & Renewable Energy

• Solar Sales Manager: A high-level leadership role with excellent earning potential, overseeing a team in the booming solar industry. This is a top-paying job for a strategic professional. LINK

• Electrical Engineer (Solar): A rewarding and high-tech role working on cutting-edge clean energy solutions. This job is for those with a passion for engineering and sustainable technology. LINK

• Apprentice Electrician: An opportunity to assist with wiring and electrical installation, gaining valuable skills in a dynamic trade. LINK

Mechanic & General Trades

• Mechanic Service Technician: A hands-on entry-level role perfect for beginners to get into a skilled trade and start building a career in automotive repair and service. LINK

• Commercial Electrician: A skilled position that involves wiring and installing complex electrical systems in a commercial setting, with great pay and benefits. LINK

AWESOME CONTENT 🎥

Massive respect to this Air Con engineer. Deserves to be paid a CEO salary for his work. LINK 

Never really cared about having my name on a piece of paper, I’d rather have it on 20 trucks around the city. LINK

POV: You chose HVAC over a $150K degree. LINK

1st year recap at my IBEW apprenticeship. LINK

People might say "oh you fix ACs," our customers say "our baby can sleep at night." LINK

A little solar install ASMR. LINK

TRENDING GEAR 🛠️

DUOMIY 2025 Portable Waist Fan Clip on Wearable Belt Fan is a hands-free, rechargeable fan that clips to a belt or clothes to keep you cool on the job. LINK

KLEIN Tools Cooling Towel is a reusable PVA towel that stays cool for hours when wet, offering on-demand relief from heat. LINK

Fluke Corp iSee Thermal plugs into a smartphone to quickly and easily perform thermal inspections on electrical connections. LINK

The Milwaukee 2557-20 M12 Fuel 3/8" Ratchet is a powerful cordless ratchet that delivers high torque and speed in a compact design for easy use in tight spaces. LINK

Pay me for my experience, not my time tee. LINK

Forget the office, forge your path tee. LINK

HELPFUL RESOURCES 🏅

Check out apprenticeships in your local area. LINK

Nationwide WIOA funding eligible trainer provider finder. LINK

Online vs. in-person HVAC training: which path gets you hired in 2025? LINK

P.S. Keep forging your path. Catch ya on the next dispatch!