The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades

The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades

Author: Andrew Brown Language: English Episodes: 50
There's a quiet revolution happening in the workforce, one built on the sound of a hammer, the hum of a saw, and the satisfaction of a job done with your own hands. The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades is a conversation about that shift, guided by Andrew Brown. This isn't just a technical manual; it's a deep exploration of the craft, business, and profound personal fulfillment found in skilled trades. Andrew draws from his own journey through hands-on work and entrepreneurship to frame discussions that are as much about building a life as they are about building things. Each episode connects the dots between practical skill, viable career paths, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive independently. You'll hear from seasoned professionals who share their hard-won wisdom, alongside discussions on navigating the business side of trades, from client relations to financial stability. The goal is to elevate the conversation around these essential careers, moving beyond stereotypes to highlight the creativity, critical thinking, and dignity inherent in skilled work. Tune into this podcast for honest stories, actionable advice, and a renewed appreciation for the foundational crafts that shape our world.
Episodes
What Actually Makes an Apprenticeship Program Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:41
Andreas Brockmann of United Grinding built an apprenticeship program that now gets 400 applicants for 5 spots — and it starts apprentices with hand tools, not machines.Three years ago, United Grinding had 15 candidates f…
The 700,000 Mechanic Shortage No One's Talking About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:32
Aircraft mechanic Joshua Borel of Chennault Aviation breaks down why the industry faces a 700,000-person shortage over the next 15 years — and how A&P techs build six-figure careers.Joshua Borel didn't set out to work on…
You Don't Have a Hiring Problem. You Have a First 90 Days Problem. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:17
Employee retention doesn't start with recruiting it starts with the first 90 days. Host Andrew Brown breaks down what construction and manufacturing leaders do differently to keep new hires from quietly walking out the d…
The Trades Need Workers. So Why Can’t People Get Hired? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:16
Jason Altmire and Riley Burr, co-authors of Trade Up, break down why the skilled trades pipeline is broken — and the fix isn't just more people, it's better retention.The math doesn't work: the number of Americans over 6…
What It Takes to Become a Female Aircraft Mechanic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
Aviation maintenance technician Brianna De Armond breaks down what it really takes to become an aircraft mechanic — and why one signature on the paperwork can define an entire career.Brianna is a student in the Aviation…
Why Apprentices Quit in the First 30 Days with Glenda Rahn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:16
Glenda Rahn, Director of Workforce Development at Merit Ontario, reveals why skilled trades companies lose new apprentices in the first 30 days — and what to do about it.Every contractor says the same thing: "We can't fi…