Building Trades Careers for Autistic Youth: Employment & Advocacy w/ Danny Combs

Building Trades Careers for Autistic Youth: Employment & Advocacy w/ Danny Combs

Author: Andrew Brown September 10, 2025 Duration: 39:14
The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
BusinessCareersEducationEntrepreneurshipHow To

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.

IN THIS EPISODE

● (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.

Key Takeaways

● 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.

About the Guest

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.

Keywords

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

Resources

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

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

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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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

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The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
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