Cobot welding, welding automation, and collaborative robots are transforming skilled trades careers amid a major welder shortage.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Sam Noland of ITW Miller Welding Automation about how cobot welding empowers Tradespeople across Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, and Construction. They explore training, ROI, and how automation is elevating—not replacing—the Skilled Trades Industry.

Whether you're a Contractor, Industry Expert, or student exploring Trades Careers, this episode uncovers how collaborative robots bridge technology and Craftsmanship, fueling the next generation of Problem-solving and Creativity in the Trades Industry.

• (00:00) — What cobot welding is and why it’s reshaping Skilled Trades Careers.
• (06:12) — How collaborative robots extend the careers of veteran welders and reduce fatigue.
• (12:45) — The welder shortage: how automation and trade-school reform create opportunity.
• (19:30) — Real-world welding automation ROI and cost breakdown for small shop owners.
• (27:05) — Partnering with Toolfetch, Contractors, and Industry Experts for training and Education.
• (33:50) — Future of Skilled Trades: how Automation, Craftsmanship, and Advocacy intersect.

1. Cobot welding and welding automation expand—not eliminate—jobs by enhancing Craftsmanship and efficiency in Skilled Trades.
2. Collaborative robots speed up production while keeping quality high, addressing the growing welder shortage.
3. Skilled trades careers in HVAC, Carpentry, Electricians, Plumbers, and Millwrights are evolving to include robotics and automation skills.
4. Partnerships with Toolfetch, Industry Experts, and the Skilled Trades Advisory Council are critical to advancing Education, Problem-solving, and Creativity in the Trades Industry.

Sam Noland is an Advanced Process Specialist at ITW Miller Welding Automation, where he leads initiatives in cobot welding and welding automation integration for global manufacturing clients. A champion for Tradespeople and Skilled Trades Education, Sam helps shops leverage collaborative robots to boost quality, efficiency, and career longevity. His work embodies the next evolution of Craftsmanship—where technology meets human skill.

Cobot Welding, Welding Automation, Collaborative Robots, Welder Shortage, Skilled Trades Careers, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Tradespeople, Contractors, Industry Experts, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Education, Advocacy, Andrew Brown, Sam Noland

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-noland-66285262/

Welding careers, skilled trades, and welding apprenticeship programs take center stage as Andrew Brown sits down with John King of JK Welding at the FABTECH welding expo.

Host Andrew Brown explores how welding careers grow through passion, not just pay, and why Skilled Trades like construction, HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry remain the backbone of the Trades Industry. From welding apprenticeship programs to pipeline welding jobs, John King shares his real-world lessons on leadership, craftsmanship, and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.

If you’re curious about trades careers, the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, or how to scale a fabrication business like JK Welding, this episode delivers practical guidance for aspiring industry experts, contractors, and hands-on creators.

• (00:00) – Welding Careers & Passion: Why passion fuels long-term success in the Skilled Trades and welding careers more than money ever could.
• (07:45) – Gen Z & Apprenticeship Programs: How to build a stronger welding apprenticeship pipeline and inspire new tradespeople through education.
• (16:20) – Is Welding a Dying Trade?: The truth about the Trades Industry shortage and how pipeline welding jobs offer growth opportunities.
• (24:05) – From Welder to Entrepreneur: John King on building JK Welding, scaling with craftsmanship, and leading skilled contractors.
• (33:10) – Career Growth Paths: How trades careers in construction, millwrighting, and electricians compare to pipeline welding jobs for earning potential.
• (42:30) – Skilled Trades Advocacy: How the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Toolfetch, and industry experts strengthen education across the trades.

● Welding careers begin with passion. The most successful tradespeople master craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity before chasing paychecks.

● Welding apprenticeship programs are the cornerstone of education in the Trades Industry, helping Gen Z build lifelong trades careers.

● Pipeline welding jobs and field work can lead to six-figure incomes—but balance matters for family life and stability.

● Collaboration among industry experts, contractors, Toolfetch, and the Skilled Trades Advisory Council drives advocacy and long-term sustainability for the Skilled Trades.

John King, founder and CEO of JK Welding, transformed his love for welding into one of Texas’s leading fabrication shops. A self-taught entrepreneur, John built his company on craftsmanship, problem-solving, and mentorship—helping grow welding apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation of tradespeople. His leadership in the Trades Industry has made him a respected voice for education, advocacy, and Skilled Trades innovation showcased at the FABTECH welding expo.

Welding Careers, Skilled Trades, Welding Apprenticeship, Pipeline Welding Jobs, FABTECH Welding Expo, Trades Industry, Construction, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Contractors, Industry Experts, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Education, Advocacy

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-king-15675117/

Website: https://jkwelding.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkwelding/

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Skilled trades careers and welding salaries revealed! Host Andrew Brown talks with Western Welding Academy’s Tyler Sasse about apprenticeships, high-pressure pipe welding, and how Gen Z is reshaping the trades industry.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Tyler Sasse, CEO of Western Welding Academy, to uncover the realities of skilled trades careers today. From welding jobs salary myths to the truth about welding apprenticeship programs and why high-pressure pipe welding remains one of the most lucrative specialties, they dig into how young Tradespeople can build rewarding Trades Careers in construction, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, and more.

They also discuss the role of Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, and Creativity in the Trades Industry, plus the impact of advocacy groups advocacy efforts like the Skilled Trades Advisory Council and industry partners (like Toolfetch) that support gear, learning, and growth.

00:00 — Why Skilled Trades matter now: Host Andrew Brown sets the stage; introducing Tyler Sasse and Western Welding Academy; outcomes vs. myths around welding jobs salary.

04:12 — Gen Z motivations & training: Hands-on learning, Education pathways, and how welding apprenticeship programs build Problem-solving and Creativity.

12:45 — Where the money is: Why high-pressure pipe welding commands top rates; clarifying Trades Careers across HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, and Construction.

21:30 — From worker to owner: Craftsmanship, leadership, and scaling impact; connecting with Industry Experts, Contractors, and tools suppliers like Toolfetch.

31:05 — Curriculum & outcomes: How Western Welding Academy measures success; pay-stub proof of welding jobs salary; advancing within the Trades Industry.

42:18 — Advocacy & next steps: Building community through the Skilled Trades Advisory Council; practical routes into skilled trades careers and sustaining Tradespeople growth.

1. Outcomes beat opinions: Real welding jobs salary data and pay-stubs show strong earnings—especially via high-pressure pipe welding and structured welding apprenticeship programs.
2. Talent needs direction: Gen Z brings Creativity and grit; the right Education pathway in Skilled Trades turns potential into professional Craftsmanship and career mobility.
3. Broader ecosystem matters: Success spans Construction, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights—with Industry Experts, Contractors, and partners like Toolfetch supporting tools, training, and hiring.
4. Advocacy drives access: The Skilled Trades Advisory Council and community voices (e.g., Andrew Brown, Tyler Sasse) elevate Trades Careers, Problem-solving, and long-term paths in the Trades Industry.

Tyler Sasse is the CEO/founder of Western Welding Academy, a training organization focused on production-grade quality, work ethic, and job-ready outcomes. His team emphasizes welding apprenticeship programs, advanced techniques like high-pressure pipe welding, and career coaching that leads to real-world gains in welding jobs salary across the Trades Industry.

Skilled Trades Careers, Welding Jobs Salary, Western Welding Academy, High-Pressure Pipe Welding, Welding Apprenticeship Programs, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Construction, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Andrew Brown, Tyler Sasse, Toolfetch, Industry Experts, Contractors, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Education, Advocacy, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

Instagram:

What would you do with $50 million? Lowe’s decided to invest it into the future of the skilled trades—training 50,000 people for careers in plumbing, welding, electrical, HVAC, and more.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Betsy Conway, Director of the Lowe’s Foundation, to explore how skilled trades careers are being shaped by Lowe’s Foundation grants, plumbing apprenticeship programs, and SkillsUSA training programs. They dive deep into how nonprofits, community colleges, and industry experts are tackling the welding workforce shortage, empowering new electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC techs, and contractors.

Whether you’re just starting in the trades industry or looking to grow, this episode delivers insights into mentorship, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and trades careers advocacy that define the future of the skilled trades.

● (00:00) – Skilled Trades Careers Overview: Why the trades industry needs plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and HVAC pros now more than ever.

● (02:15) – Lowe’s Foundation Grants: Investing $50M to train 50,000 people for rewarding trades careers.

● (08:40) – Welding Workforce Shortage: Why the U.S. needs 320,000 welders by 2029 and how SkillsUSA training programs are stepping in.

● (15:10) – Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs: How mentorship, apprenticeships, and education change lives.

● (23:30) – Education & Access: Mobile training labs bringing opportunity to underserved communities.

● (35:55) – Tools of the Trade Advice: Betsy Conway’s no-limits mindset for aspiring tradespeople.

● Lowe’s Foundation grants are fueling innovation at community colleges and nonprofits, making skilled trades careers more accessible.

● The welding workforce shortage is real—hundreds of thousands of welders are needed, and SkillsUSA training programs are preparing the next generation

● Plumbing apprenticeship programs and mentorship create viable career paths for women, career changers, and young professionals.

● Success in the trades industry relies on craftsmanship, creativity, advocacy, and strong peer networks of tradespeople.

Betsy Conway is the Director of the Lowe’s Foundation, where she leads initiatives to tackle America’s skilled trades workforce crisis. Through strategic Lowe’s Foundation grants and partnerships with nonprofits, community colleges, and SkillsUSA training programs, she helps create accessible plumbing apprenticeship programs, addresses the welding workforce shortage, and champions opportunities for future electricians, carpenters, HVAC techs, contractors, and millwrights.

Skilled Trades Careers, Lowe’s Foundation Grants, Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs, Welding Workforce Shortage, SkillsUSA Training Programs, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Tradespeople, Andrew Brown, Betsy Conway, Lowes Foundation, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Industry Experts, Advocacy, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Education, Mentorship, Trades Careers Growth

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-conway/

Lowe’s Foundation: https://lowesfoundation.org

Instagram: @LowesFoundation

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Women in welding, skilled trades careers, and welding education programs take center stage. Shanen Aranmor of Weld Like a Girl joins host Andrew Brown to explore virtual welding training, SkillsUSA welding, and how mentorship and early exposure shape the next generation of tradespeople.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, to discuss breaking stigmas in the trades industry and opening doors to rewarding skilled trades careers. From welding education programs and virtual welding training to SkillsUSA welding competitions, Shannon shares actionable ways to inspire tradespeople—from second graders to Gen Z apprentices.

Whether you’re interested in carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, or millwrights, this episode reveals how craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity fuel career growth in the skilled trades.

• (00:00) – Why skilled trades careers matter and the stigma facing women in welding
• (04:35) – Encouragement, guidance counselors, and role models for women in welding
• (12:20) – Early exposure: shop classes, welding education programs, and community colleges
• (22:50) – Tech that sparks interest: virtual welding training, gamification, and simulators
• (35:30) – Homeschool competitions, mentorship, teamwork, and craftsmanship
• (52:15) – Inside SkillsUSA welding: sculpture judging, soft skills, and employer expectations

• Exposure changes everything. Kids can’t pursue skilled trades careers if they’ve never seen welding booths, tools, or shop classes.
• Representation is powerful. Role models show that women in welding belong in the trades industry.
• Tech builds bridges. Virtual welding training creates safe and scalable on-ramps for students and schools.
• Soft skills matter. SkillsUSA welding competitions reward teamwork, communication, and professionalism as much as technical skills.

Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, is a certified welding inspector, educator, and fabricator based in Yuma, AZ. She develops welding education programs for schools, veterans, and youth, advocates for women in welding, and champions pathways into skilled trades careers.

Women in Welding, Skilled Trades Careers, Welding Education Programs, Virtual Welding Training, SkillsUSA Welding, Shanen Aranmor, Weld Like a Girl, Andrew Brown, Michael Krupnicki, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Industry Experts, Contractors, Toolfetch, SkillsUSA

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanenaranmor/

Website: https://weldlikeagirl.us/

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Autism skilled trades programs are transforming careers. Danny Combs joins Andrew Brown to discuss TACT, electrician training, and workforce development.

Host Andrew Brown speaks with Danny Combs, founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), about how autism skilled trades programs create real opportunities for employment for autistic adults in trades. They break down how electrician training for autistic individuals, carpentry, HVAC, and welding are reshaping the trades industry—and why neurodiversity workforce development is vital for the future of skilled trades.

This episode delivers practical insights for contractors, educators, and industry experts who want to strengthen advocacy, build inclusive programs, and prepare the next generation of tradespeople.

● (00:02) – The $2.2M cost families face and the gap in autism skilled trades programs.

● (07:15) – Danny Combs’ background, Nashville music career, and trades family roots.

● (15:40) – The start of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) and Temple Grandin’s advice.

● (26:10) – From a warehouse to a 19,000 sq ft facility with Subaru, Toyota, and more.

● (38:25) – Why employment for autistic adults in trades matters for the economy.

● (49:50) – Expansion, advocacy, and the future of neurodiversity workforce development.

● Autism skilled trades programs provide real career pathways beyond low-skill jobs.

● Employment for autistic adults in trades fills labor shortages in electricians, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and more.

● Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) leads the way in neurodiversity workforce development.

● Electrician training for autistic individuals proves trades careers can be debt-free, high-paying, and fulfilling.

Danny Combs is the founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), a nonprofit equipping autistic youth and adults with skills in carpentry, HVAC, electrical, welding, and more. Drawing from his music background, trades family legacy, and fatherhood journey, Danny built TACT into a nationally recognized leader in autism skilled trades programs and neurodiversity workforce development, helping create meaningful careers and reshaping the skilled trades industry.

Autism Skilled Trades Programs, Employment for Autistic Adults in Trades, Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), Neurodiversity Workforce Development, Electrician Training for Autistic Individuals, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Contractors, Education, Advocacy, Industry Experts, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-combs-m-a-bccs-cas-90987613a/

Website: https://www.buildwithtact.org/

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Careers in manufacturing and skilled trades jobs are booming. Roger Atkins (NTMA) joins Andrew Brown to discuss manufacturing apprenticeship programs, reshoring manufacturing USA, and high paying trade careers.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Roger Atkins, President of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA), to explore how today’s skilled trades jobs are shaping the future of the trades industry. From the growth of manufacturing apprenticeship programs to the nationwide push for reshoring manufacturing USA, they cover how to build high paying trade careers that rival college pathways.

Whether you’re just starting out, considering a career change, or advising young people, this episode provides real insights into the future of the skilled trades.

● (00:00) – Careers in Manufacturing Today: Why trades careers matter more than ever.

● (04:32) – Skilled Trades Jobs vs. Service Jobs: The hidden financial difference.

● (12:15) – Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs: Earn while you learn pathways into trades.

● (22:40) – Reshoring Manufacturing USA: Why supply chains are shifting back home.

● (33:10) – High Paying Trade Careers: From $18/hr apprenticeships to six-figure tradespeople.

● (44:55) – The Future of the Trades Industry: AI, technology, and advocacy reshaping the landscape.

● Careers in manufacturing offer advancement and stability far beyond entry-level jobs.

● Skilled trades jobs like carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and millwrights provide lifelong pathways.

● Manufacturing apprenticeship programs allow people to train debt-free while earning a wage.

● Reshoring manufacturing USA is driving demand for high paying trade careers across small and medium businesses.

Roger Atkins is the President of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA). With decades in the trades industry, Roger has been a leading advocate for reshoring initiatives, building manufacturing apprenticeship programs, and expanding awareness of skilled trades jobs. His work with the Skilled Trades Advisory Council and industry experts focuses on creating high paying trade careers for future generations of tradespeople, contractors, and career changers.

Careers in Manufacturing, Skilled Trades Jobs, Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs, Reshoring Manufacturing USA, High Paying Trade Careers, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Industry Experts, Andrew Brown, Roger Atkins, National Tooling & Machining Association, NTMA, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Advocacy, Education, Trades Careers

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-atkins/

Website: https://ntma.org/

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From nursing to female mechanic, flipping cars for profit, and building Crown's Corner Mechanic.

Host Andrew Brown talks with Desiree Hill, known as She Mechanic, about her bold career change to trades—from healthcare to launching Crown’s Corner Mechanic. They explore how women are breaking into skilled trades careers, what it takes to succeed as a female mechanic, and the role of flipping cars for profit in building confidence and skills.

This inspiring conversation highlights the future of the trades industry, the importance of mentorship, and how social media is helping more people find their path in plumbing apprenticeships, carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and construction craftsmanship.

IN THIS EPISODE:

● (00:00) – Introduction: Andrew Brown on skilled trades careers & industry advocacy

● (03:12) – Desiree’s path: Career change to trades from nursing into mechanics

● (08:25) – Flipping cars for profit: Building confidence & skills with hands-on learning

● (15:40) – Launching Crown’s Corner Mechanic: From driveway projects to a full shop

● (24:18) – Women in the trades industry: Female mechanic success stories & plumbing apprenticeships

● (36:55) – Lessons in entrepreneurship: Problem-solving, creativity & leadership in skilled trades careers

Key Takeaways:

● A career change to trades is possible at any age—Desiree Hill proves it with her journey from nursing to becoming a successful female mechanic.

● Flipping cars for profit can be a gateway to learning, entrepreneurship, and a long-term role in the skilled trades industry.

● Social media is breaking barriers by showcasing women in plumbing apprenticeships, carpentry, HVAC, electricians, and construction trades careers.

● Building a personal brand like She Mechanic inspires the next generation of skilled tradespeople and advocates for industry-wide change.

About the Guest:

Desiree Hill, also known as She Mechanic, is the founder of Crown’s Corner Mechanic. A former healthcare worker turned female mechanic, she built her career by flipping cars for profit and teaching herself mechanical skills. Now a respected advocate in the trades industry, she uses her platform to inspire women and the next generation of skilled trades careers through mentorship, education, and real-world problem-solving.

Keywords:

Skilled Trades Careers, Career Change to Trades, Female Mechanic, Flipping Cars for Profit, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Education, Industry Experts, Contractors, Andrew Brown, Desiree Hill, She Mechanic, Crown's Corner Mechanic, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity

Resource Links:

• TikTok: @SheMechanic
• Instagram: CrownsCorner_SheMechanic
• Website: Crown's Corner Mechanics

If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolbox

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