America is investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople, but recruitment and technical training are only part of the equation. Building a stronger trades workforce also means developing leaders who can grow businesses, create careers, and strengthen communities. Discover why leadership development could be the industry’s critical next investment.
America’s Mission Critical Workforce, led by Interplay Learning, brings employers and workforce organizations together to address the national labor shortage.
The alliance’s first priority is to extend the reach of these programs with a digital onramp designed to help people anywhere in the country begin building job-relevant skills right away, while connecting employers with emerging talent sooner.
Taking place October 1, 2026, the inaugural Trades Thursday will feature more than 15 regional hubs across the country alongside locally organized meetups led by Housecall Pro Superpros.
This year, "Shark Tank" star Daymond John joined Jobber in selecting recipients, and recipients will be attending an exclusive, all-expenses-paid business retreat.
ADP Research reports that workers hired within the previous three months represented 3.6% of construction employment on average between 2019 and 2025. In 2026, that share has climbed to 4.6%, suggesting that hiring activity is accelerating. Even so, bringing new people through the door is only part of the workforce challenge. As competition for experienced talent intensifies, contractors must focus not only on attracting workers but also on creating reasons for them to stay.
Chris Fresh, host of The Plumbing Sales Coach Podcast – The Fresh Approach, explains how a service-first culture builds trust, boosts technician confidence and ultimately leads to stronger business results.
ServiceTitan announced a partnership with All Within My Hands (AWMH), the nonprofit philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, to support workforce education through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI).