Skilled trades careers are booming, from trade school welding programs to women in skilled trades. William Myers of Ancora Education shares why now's the time.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with welding educator and skilled trades advocate Bill Myers of Ancora Education to explore how to launch a welding career in today’s trades industry.
They dive into the structure of trade school welding programs, how the NCCER Career Builder helps students choose a path, and what it really takes to land high-paying welding career opportunities—whether you’re just starting out or returning to the trades later in life.
Whether you're considering trade school, apprenticeship, or just want honest insight into skilled trades careers, this episode delivers straight talk from an industry veteran who’s been there.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:02) – The Rise of Skilled Trades Careers in 2025
(06:41) – How Trade School Welding Programs Are Structured
(15:24) – Breaking Down the NCCER Career Builder Tool
(24:10) – The Role of Women in Skilled Trades Today
(36:52) – Welding Career Opportunities After Graduation
(48:33) – Why Soft Skills Matter as Much as Craftsmanship
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Skilled trades careers are not just viable—they're thriving. Students can now enter trades like carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and electricians roles with real support and structure.
- Trade school welding programs offer an accelerated path (as short as 10 months) into high-paying welding career opportunities in industries like construction and aerospace.
- Tools like the NCCER Career Builder are game changers in helping prospective students match with the right path in the skilled trades industry—and it's available in high school.
- Women in skilled trades are gaining visibility and mentorship, especially through platforms like TikTok and YouTube, helping shift outdated narratives in the trades industry.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Bill Myers (also known as William Myers) is the National Director of Skilled Trades at Ancora Education. With decades of experience as a welder, fabricator, and educator, Bill has shaped modern training standards across trade programs. He's also an active voice on the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, focusing on education, craftsmanship, and career advocacy for tradespeople.
KEYWORDS
Skilled trades careers, Trade school welding programs, Women in skilled trades, Welding career opportunities, NCCER Career Builder, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Education, Apprenticeships, Career Growth, Industry Experts, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Andrew Brown, Bill Myers, William Myers, Ancora Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Toolfetch, Welding, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Tradespeople, Advocacy
RESOURCE LINKS
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-myers-907503281/
Ancora Education: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ancora-education/
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