Want to start a plumbing career? Charles Goede joins host Andrew Brown to break down trade school training, union apprenticeships, and the SkillsUSA competition.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Charles Goede , the U.S. competitor for WorldSkills Plumbing & Heating 2026, to explore how a young tradesperson rises through trade school training, excels in the SkillsUSA competition, and builds a long-term plumbing career.
Charles opens up about mentors who shaped him, the reality of union apprenticeships, what it’s like to compete on a world stage, and how the skilled trades create life-changing opportunities—from travel to high-earning work to lifelong craftsmanship.
Whether you’re curious about entering the trades industry, pursuing plumbing, or navigating union vs. non-union opportunities, this episode delivers raw, real-world insight from someone who’s lived it.
IN THIS EPISODE
- (00:01) – Starting a Plumbing Career Through Trade School Training. How Charles discovered trade school training, joined SkillsUSA, and realized the skilled trades were the right path.
- (05:22) – SkillsUSA Competition: Pressure, Performance & Personal Growth. Charles explains competing at the SkillsUSA competition, winning Connecticut, and placing second in the nation—plus the nerves of performing in front of thousands.
- (12:18) – Family Influence, Mentorship & Finding the Right Trade. Why he chose a plumbing career over welding or electrical, and how mentors, teachers, and his cousin guided him through early decision-making.
- (18:40) – Big Mechanical Systems & Daily Problem-Solving in the Skilled Trades. A look at boilers, chillers, steam systems, blueprints, and why problem-solving is the heart of craftsmanship in the skilled trades.
- (24:50) – Union Apprenticeships: Pay, Benefits & How to Get In. Charles breaks down why he recommends union apprenticeships, how competitive they are, and how persistence helps apprentices get accepted.
- (32:15) – Preparing for WorldSkills 2026: Metric Systems, Training & Mental Toughness. Inside the intense world of WorldSkills: simulations, training on European plumbing systems, mental discipline, and representing the U.S. next year.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Trade school training opens real pathways into high-earning, meaningful careers in the skilled trades.
- Union apprenticeships offer unmatched pay, training, and benefits, but require persistence and commitment.
- The SkillsUSA competition builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and exposure to elite craftsmanship.
- A successful plumbing career combines hands-on learning, mentorship, field experience, and adaptability—especially on major construction projects.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Charles Goede is a rising leader in America’s skilled trades and the official U.S. competitor for WorldSkills Plumbing & Heating 2026. After launching his plumbing career through trade school training, Charles excelled in the SkillsUSA competition, winning Connecticut and placing second nationally.
A proud member of his union, he advocates strongly for union apprenticeships, hands-on education, and real-world mentorship while training full-time to compete on the world stage.
KEYWORDS
Skilled Trades, Plumbing Career, Union Apprenticeships, SkillsUSA Competition, Trade School Training, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Charles Goede, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Carpentry, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Contractors, Industry Experts, Skilled Trades Advisory Council
RESOURCE LINKS
SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org/
WorldSkills: https://worldskillsusa.org/
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