National Careers in Trades Week kicks off
A January survey of 500 college and high school students found that 75 percent of teens aged 13 to 18 would consider a trade job over going to college
April 6 kicks off National Careers in Trades Week.
What’s happening: A coalition of associations and unions — including the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) — is using the week to draw attention to the industries for the second annual time.
- A January survey of 500 college and high school students, commissioned by SMACNA and shared in a news release, found that 75 percent of teens aged 13 to 18 would consider a trade job over going to college.
- Asked about their reasoning, 30 percent of respondents cited higher pay, good benefits, and paid apprenticeships, while 24 percent cited promotion opportunities.
What they’re saying: “Skilled professions offer rewarding career opportunities for all people, including young adults, women, veterans, and anyone who is looking for a career change,” SMACNA CEO Frank Wall said in a statement.
- “The wages and job security that trade careers offer provide a faster means to home ownership, upward mobility, and saving for retirement that other pathways don’t always ensure,” he added.
Keep reading
Heat pump shipments have started outpacing air conditioners, report highlights
Air-source heat pumps outsold gas furnaces for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 — and started outselling air conditioners
Gas furnace shipments stage 11-month comeback
Following a decline from 2022 through 2024, U.S. gas furnace shipments have grown for 11 consecutive months, according to May AHRI data
Watsco sales fall on A2L volatility
The U.S.'s largest HVAC distributor on Wednesday reported a three percent, third-quarter revenue dip on A2L-driven volatility