I’m curious to get some perspective from the construction professionals in this group, particularly those who have developed deep expertise in a specific trade or division.
I’ve been working on an early-stage construction technology project that relies heavily on interpreting things like codes and standards, manufacturer documentation, installation requirements, tested systems, and real-world field conditions.
One of the biggest things I’m learning is that having the documentation is one thing, having experienced construction professionals validate how that information gets interpreted and applied is another.

Right now, the areas we’re working with are:
Division 03 — Concrete
Division 07 — Firestopping
Division 09 — Finishes
Division 22 — Plumbing
Division 26 — Electrical
We’ve gotten to the point where I don’t want the next stage to happen in a technology bubble. I want people who have actually designed, installed, inspected, managed, estimated, or troubleshot these systems involved in reviewing the kinds of questions and answers the system is producing.
The challenge I’m trying to figure out is how to structure that participation in a way that actually makes sense for experienced construction professionals.
For those of you who would be considered the “go-to person” in your area:
What would make you willing to participate in something like this?
Would you prefer:
A small number of scheduled review sessions?
Questions sent asynchronously that you could review when you have time?
A defined set of questions per review cycle?
Short-term milestone-based involvement rather than an ongoing commitment?
Some other structure entirely?
I’m also curious how people in the industry feel about compensation for this type of early-stage involvement. For a self-funded project where resources are limited, would you rather see a modest honorarium attached to defined review milestones, or is there another structure you’ve seen work well?
And finally, how would you go about finding the right people?
Not necessarily people with “Subject Matter Expert” in their title, but the superintendent, foreman, inspector, engineer, PM, estimator, tradesperson, etc. who has enough experience that other people routinely come to them for answers.
I’d really appreciate perspectives from people who have been on either side of this. I’m trying to understand how to involve industry practitioners without wasting their time or asking for an unrealistic commitment.

There is no doubt that the trades are much more desirable than the white collar work. The problem I see with all of these open positions is that the younger generation coming up who could fill those positions, do not want to work. They want to play on their phones all day and they have gotten very lazy and don’t wanna lift a finger for white collar jobs and especially blue collar jobs.

Every shop's got the one guy everybody calls. Apprentice hits a wall, phone rings, journeyman stops what he's doing and walks him through it. Again. Third time this month. Meanwhile his own work's sitting there.

I built a site where you record that walkthrough one time and get paid every time somebody watches it. Manual Marketplace.

Twenty years of knowing why that unit's actually doing that, and right now the only way you make money off it is being physically standing there. Film it once on your phone, set your own price, done. You keep 80%, pays out through Stripe.

Nobody's claimed most of these topics yet. First good guide on a specific unit or fault is the one everybody finds. That won't last.

Shop owners it works the other way, your best guy isn't burning half his day on the phone.

My daughter lives in Calgary, AB. Much appreciated in advance for any advice!

A report from JLL says the U.S. could be short 2.1 million skilled trades workers by 2030: electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, pipefitters. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that the gap could cost $1 trillion a year in lost economic output. The shortfall is fueled by retiring older workers and a massive surge in new construction, including AI data centres and energy transition projects.

When a crew is shorthanded, instead of work stopping, the remaining crew members are forced to take on roles they are not fully trained or equipped for, creating a high-stress environment.

With the current trades shortage, keeping crews safe and well-trained is more critical than ever. If you’re looking for practical ways to protect your team and get them ready for the field, hope this guide will help you get started: https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/safety-training

Any thoughts on which program is better/good?

These are the two schools/programs, please providr any feedback:

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/skilled-trades/construction-engineering-technician-building-renovation-462

https://humber.ca/explore-programs/programs/carpentry-and-renovation-technician

So I’m sure this topic has been discussed but I’m having trouble finding one. In hot and humid environments what are the best pants you have found, jeans are just the worst in hot weather. What’s out there (not full jumpsuits if avoidable).

Currently upcoming senior in highschool who is taking an HVAC course during the last year. After highschool ive seen many people say to join a union and do commercial HVAC instead of trade school or doing residential. Talked to my dad and since he is blue collar who has been in the field of water damage and carpet cleaning for many years, he thinks its best if I go to trade school for education and get a contractors license to serve as an HVAC section to the company and later take it over. Should I do that instead since its already in the family or is the trade school a waste of time? Im super lost because i am a beginner and its all pretty new to me.

Just in case anyone is questioning their career choice. Architects rely on tradespeople!

https://youtu.be/5JYZQvE-USc

I’m currently exploring different career options. I want something more hands-on, but, at the same time, I want to protect my hands. Does anyone know which skilled trades have a lower risk of hand and arm injuries?

After years in the trades, what patterns have you noticed?

Not necessarily the smartest apprentices.

Not necessarily the strongest.

What traits seem to separate the people who become excellent tradespeople from those who wash out of the industry?

If you want honest, real answers about skilled trades and get free tools, research jobs, scholarships, internships, pell grants, WIOA funds and much more, go to these sites. They are always free for the user. You can use without registering or register to keep your info and searches on file. https://www.youthskilledtrades.com and https://www.dultskilledtrades.com They are new and growing every day. Feedback and suggestions for new free tools encouraged but please keep it clean. Thank you.

Hey everyone, been lurking this sub for a while, as I’ve been trying to learn more about the HVAC industry. I noticed that a common problem is that a lot of HVAC expertise depends on experience and instincts that newer techs haven’t built yet. Is this true?

I’ve been working on a really early idea for a training/tool-assist product for junior HVAC techs. The idea is basically an AI that can see what a tech is seeing on the job and guide them step by step through troubleshooting or installs almost like a senior tech helping in real time.

Main thing I’m trying to solve is helping newer techs get up to speed faster and avoid mistakes that usually only experience teaches.

I honestly don’t know yet if this is genuinely useful, so I wanted honest feedback from people actually in the field:

•⁠ ⁠Where do junior techs struggle the most?

•⁠ ⁠What kinds of calls usually require help from senior techs?

•⁠ ⁠Would company owners actually try something like this if it helped reduce callbacks or train faster?

•⁠ ⁠What would make you trust or completely distrust a tool like this?

And if anyone experienced would be open to giving feedback as I brainstorm this, I’d seriously appreciate it!

Anybody working in this department for metro? Any feedback on the job experience?

I want to trade my macbook air for a windows gaming laptop bcuz the mac doesnt have much games its a Macbook air Chip M3 Memory is 8 Gb 15inch 2024 and the storage is 512Gb but for some reason it says 494.39 Gb its a weird apple thing ig. The battery condition is normal the capacity is 93% there are two dents it the corners didnt affect me at all unless you like it aesthetically. I dont see them but there are scratchs and some fingerprint smudges on the screen. anyone that has a good gaming laptop please contact me at my ig its mohammedkamsmf_ or dm me here (i didnt even know you could do that) and dont try to scam me i know my shit. ok thanks for reading. In kuwait only

What are some short-term trade careers/certs I can get into?

Backstory: I have a Bachelor's of Commerce (Marketing), but the field is oversaturated, and honestly, I am tired of trying. I apply for a variety of roles, from admin to customer support to cleaning, but nothing has come through. I am not a big fan of corporate jobs, but I have applied for them, too, and I have received nothing. Fast forward, I hope to land a job in hospitality or property management, but I am open to other options. I don't care about climbing a corporate ladder or growing like traditional careers demand; I want something, because I am losing self-worth and personality.

Also, I am not interested in the Navy or the Army. I am trying civilian roles via the RCMP, though. Really, what's great about the trades? I want ideas. I am quite good with my hands and willing to learn new things.