Angela Coldwell on Skilled Trades Careers, Apprenticeships, and Education

Host Andrew Brown speaks with Angela Coldwell, founder of Honor the Work, about the importance of early exposure to skilled trades education. They discuss how apprenticeships, career exploration, and hands-on learning can inspire the next generation of tradespeople. Angela shares insights on how educators and parents can guide students toward fulfilling careers in the trades industry, including carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and millwrights. The conversation highlights the impact of mentorship, problem-solving, and creativity in the world of skilled trades careers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:02:05) – Why career conversations about skilled trades should start early

(00:09:21) – Changing perceptions of the trades industry in schools and families

(00:17:55) – The benefits of apprenticeships and early hands-on experience

(00:25:38) – Steps to becoming an entrepreneur in the trades careers field

(00:32:12) – How educators can introduce tradespeople careers in classrooms

(00:37:31) – The role of technology, VR, and gamification in skilled trades education

Key Takeaways:

Early exposure is key – Students should be introduced to skilled trades careers as early as elementary school to break biases and showcase opportunities.

Apprenticeships accelerate career growth – Programs in the trades industry provide valuable hands-on experience, often leading to full-time jobs with great pay.

Trades careers offer diverse paths – Whether in carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, millwrights, or construction, skilled workers can become contractors, business owners, or industry leaders.

Creativity and problem-solving are essential – Tradespeople are innovators, using their skills to solve real-world problems and improve infrastructure.

About the Guest:

Angela Coldwell is the founder of Honor the Work, an organization dedicated to integrating skilled trades education into elementary and high school curriculums. As a former teacher, she has seen firsthand the gaps in education that prevent students from exploring trades careers. Angela is an advocate for tradespeople, working to connect students with industry experts, hands-on learning, and mentorship opportunities in fields like HVAC, electricians, plumbers, carpentry, and construction.

Keywords: Skilled Trades Careers, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Angela Coldwell, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Apprenticeships, Hands-on Learning, Workforce Development, Skilled Labor, Blue-Collar Jobs, Vocational Training, Career Exploration, Job Readiness, Technical Skills, STEM Careers, Skilled Workforce, Entrepreneurship in Trades, Building Trades, Manufacturing, Skilled Trades Education

RESOURCE LINKS:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacoldwell/
• Website: https://honourthework.ca/

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