Union-backed skilled trades careers create long-term opportunity. Tom Bigley joins host Andrew Brown to break down trade school options, union benefits, and how to launch a successful path in the trades industry.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Tom Bigley, Director of Plumbing Services for the United Association, to explore how today’s skilled trades careers really work—covering everything from plumbing union entry requirements to why modern apprenticeships and trade school pipelines offer unmatched union benefits and long-term security.

Tom shares 40+ years of insights on recruitment, opportunities for women, career advancement, pension programs, and how the next generation can thrive across plumbing, welding, HVAC, carpentry, and other trades.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone considering a mid-life pivot into the skilled trades, this episode provides clear, real-world guidance from one of the most respected leaders in the trades industry.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:01 – Skilled Trades Benefits & Union Advantages: How pensions, healthcare, and union benefits make trades careers uniquely stable.

04:18 – Plumbing Union Career Paths: Tom explains the United Association, leadership roles, and how the plumbing union builds future tradespeople.

11:02 – What Makes Great Apprentices?: Communication, work ethic, and the essential soft skills behind successful apprenticeships.

17:45 – Trade School & Technology Evolution: How modern trade school programs and training centers raise the bar for today’s skilled workers.

25:30 – Recruiting Gen Z & Educating Parents: Why awareness of skilled trades benefits must start at home.

34:40 – How to Join the Union: Step-By-Step: Application tips, timelines, requirements, and how anyone can begin a skilled trades career.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Apprenticeships in the plumbing union provide unmatched union benefits, from paid training to pensions and healthcare—making them one of the strongest entry points into the skilled trades.
• Trade school and apprenticeships create a debt-free, high-income pathway, often outperforming traditional college outcomes.
• The plumbing union develops more than just craft skills—it produces leaders, project managers, and industry innovators.
• Skilled trades careers offer stability, upward mobility, and real purpose, especially as labor shortages increase opportunities nationwide.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Tom Bigley is the Director of Plumbing Services for the United Association, representing nearly 400,000 tradespeople across plumbing, HVAC, welding, sprinkler fitting, and pipeline work in the U.S. and Canada. With over 44 years in the skilled trades, Tom has served as a business manager, international leader, and Chairman of the World Plumbing Council. He is a lifelong advocate for apprenticeships, trade school pathways, strong union benefits, and building the future of the skilled trades workforce.

KEYWORDS

Skilled Trades, skilled trades careers, Plumbing Union, plumbing union benefits, Apprenticeships, apprenticeship programs, Trade School Training, union benefits, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Problem-solving, Creativity, Andrew Brown, Tom Bigley, Toolfetch, Plumbing Services of United Association, Industry Experts, Contractors, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Education, Workforce Development, Labor Shortage Solutions, Union vs Non-Union

Resource Links

• Website: https://ua.org/plumbers/
• PHCC website: https//phccweb.org
• PHCC membership web page: https//phccweb.org/membership

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