Skilled trades careers offer another path. Tony Bertolino explains plumbing apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and why apprenticeships aren’t “less than” college.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with fourth-generation plumber, contractor, apprenticeship instructor, and business owner Tony Bertolino to break down how trades careers actually develop, from plumbing apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training to the shift from technician to owner.
Recorded during live apprenticeship competitions, Tony shares what sets top apprentices apart: mindset, self-discipline, and pride in doing the work well. The conversation explores why classroom learning has limits, how hands-on repetition builds real mastery, and why trades education works best when theory and field experience reinforce each other.
Tony also addresses common misconceptions about plumbing, explaining its role in public health and why the work is often undervalued precisely because it’s done so well. For those considering entrepreneurship, he offers a reality check on ownership—covering responsibility, risk, mentorship, and the importance of community.
Whether you’re exploring an apprenticeship, alternative education, or ownership in the trades, this episode offers grounded perspective from someone who’s lived every stage.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:01) – Skilled Trades Careers Today: Pride in the work and why demand keeps rising
(05:12) – Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs: What textbooks teach—and what they can’t
(11:40) – On-the-Job Training in the Trades: Why hands-on repetition builds mastery
(18:55) – Trades Entrepreneurship: Why ownership isn’t “overnight success”
(26:30) – Mentorship, PHCC, and community: Why business owners shouldn’t operate alone
(34:10) – Alternative Education Pathways: Why apprenticeships aren’t better or worse than college—just different
Key Takeaways
- Skilled trades careers are built through pride, responsibility, and consistent effort—not shortcuts.
- Plumbing apprenticeship programs work best when classroom theory is paired with real on-the-job training.
- Hands-on repetition and tool confidence are difficult to teach without field experience.
- Plumbing protects public health through safe water and sanitation, even though the work is often invisible.
- Trades entrepreneurship brings freedom, but also nonstop responsibility and financial complexity.
- Mentorship and professional community reduce isolation and help owners make better decisions under pressure.
- Failure is part of learning in the trades, and progress depends on how people respond to mistakes.
About the Guest
Tony Bertolino is a fourth-generation plumber, contractor, apprenticeship instructor, and co-owner of Bertolino Plumbing and Heating. He also serves as a national VP within the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), where he supports workforce development, mentorship, and modern apprenticeship education.
Tony focuses on strengthening the trades through real-world training, honest conversations about ownership, and long-term investment in people.
Keywords
Skilled Trades Careers, Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs, On-the-Job Training Trades, Trades Entrepreneurship, Alternative Education Pathways, PHCC, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, Plumbing Contractor, Apprenticeship Instructor, Workforce Development, Mentorship, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Contractors, Plumbing, HVAC, Electricians, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Andrew Brown, Tony Bertolino, Toolfetch
RESOURCE LINKS
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-bertolino-795456367/
Website: https://bertolinoinc.com/
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association: https://www.phccweb.org/
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