While I want everyone to try welding, and I’d dig it if everyone then found that they loved welding, it’s not everyone’s bag. It’s why exposing kids at a young age to blue-collar trades is important, so they know what their options are. We’ve done a terrific job of removing any scarlet letter previously associated … Read More
Christian and Alex Bird are our 16-year-old twin cousins. They are my wife Darla’s only blood cousins, and they hold American/British dual citizenship. The boys live in England, but each summer they travel with their mom to the U.S. She does a good job of exposing them to different cultures and lifestyles and found some … Read More
Earlier this year I shared a post about the necessity for artists and tradespeople to step out of their comfort zone to grow their skills. One of the examples I gave was of a sculpture that marked a departure from my past pieces, my take on an iconic Detroit landmark.” (Continue Reading)
I love hearing stories about how one generation has been influenced by the one before to carry the proverbial and literal torch. Craig Thompson, “Mikey Mayhem,” hails from a long line of automotive enthusiasts and fabricators and now owns his own off-road chassis fabrication business. (Continue Reading)
Welder Cathleen McNally grew up building houses and working on cars with her dad. Those experiences kick-started an interest in the trades that would ultimately guide her career path in welding. She served our country as a welder in the Army and now teaches the trade to high school students. (Continue Reading)
More and more these days, young people are being encouraged to pursue careers in the trades. Jobs are waiting to be filled. But do these jobs pay a livable wage? Can a skilled worker expect a wage that justifies the expense of training and hard work that go into mastering a skill? These questions are … Read More