When I step into a school gymnasium, library, or classroom, I can feel the energy in the air. It’s a mix of curiosity, restlessness, and that spark of possibility that only young people seem to carry. I’ve spoken to many groups of students over the years, and every time, I leave reminded of why I do it — because one conversation, one story, can completely change the way a student sees their future.
For many kids, the skilled trades aren’t even on their radar. They’ve been told the only path is through a four-year degree. But when we, as tradespeople, show up in their schools, we open their eyes to a whole world of careers they didn’t know existed — careers that are hands-on, well-paid, and incredibly rewarding.
Why Trades Need a New Story
Let’s be honest — for too long, the trades have been misunderstood. Some people still think they’re a “backup plan” or a last resort for students who “aren’t academic.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, trades careers require intelligence, problem-solving, creativity, and constant learning. You’re building and repairing the world we live in — that’s not a fallback, that’s essential work.
When we go into schools, we have the power to rewrite that story. We can show students that trades are a first-choice career path, not a plan B.
My First School Talk
I still remember my first time speaking to a group of Weldon high school students. I was nervous —But I told them about my own path: becoming a Master Electrician, running my own businesses, and earning awards for my work in trades and diversity.
I shared how I’ve wired buildings, operated heavy equipment, and balanced that with my love of fishing, gardening, and family time. I could see the shift in their faces when they realized a career in the trades could give them both professional pride and personal freedom.
By the end of that talk, I received a standing ovation and a few students stayed behind to ask questions about apprenticeships, pay rates, and what tools they should start learning. That was when I knew these talks matter.
Tips for Speaking to Students About the Trades
If you’re a tradesperson and you’re thinking about visiting a school, here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
1. Tell Your Story
Students connect with real experiences. Don’t just list your job titles — tell them what your first day on the job was like, the mistakes you made, the challenges you overcame, and the wins you’re proud of.
2. Bring the Tools
If you can, bring in some equipment or materials for them to see and touch. A toolbelt, a small piece of wiring, safety gear — these make your work tangible.
3. Talk About the Money and Opportunities
Be honest about pay, benefits, and career progression. Many students have never heard that trades can offer high incomes, stable work, and opportunities to own a business.
4. Break the Stereotypes
Highlight diversity in the trades — women, people from different backgrounds, and young workers succeeding. Representation matters.
5. Share the Lifestyle Perks
Trades careers aren’t just about hard work — they can also give you time for hobbies, family, and travel. Let students know it’s possible to have a fulfilling life outside of work.
6. Encourage Questions
Some students will be shy, so give them space to approach you afterward. Those one-on-one conversations are often where the real interest shows up.
The Power of Representation
When I walk into a room as a woman in the trades, I know I’m challenging some expectations right away. And that’s part of the point. For young girls, seeing someone like me in a hard hat and steel-toed boots tells them: You belong here, too.
The same goes for students from underrepresented communities. If they see someone who looks like them, talks like them, or comes from a similar background, it can make the difference between thinking “That’s not for me” and “I could do that.”
Planting Seeds for the Future
You may not see the results of your school talks right away. Sometimes, you plant a seed that takes years to grow.
A few years after one of my early talks, I ran into a young man who had been in the audience. He told me he’d become an apprentice electrician because of that presentation. Now, he’s working toward his license and loving it. That’s the kind of impact we can have without even realizing it in the moment.
Keeping Students Engaged Beyond the Talk
Speaking at a school is just the first step. If possible, leave students with something they can follow up on:
- A handout with local apprenticeship program info
- Links to videos about different trades
- Your contact info for mentorship opportunities
- Invitations to visit job sites or open houses at training centers
The more touchpoints they have after your talk, the more likely they are to seriously consider the trades.
Laying the Foundation for the Next Generation
The trades are facing a skills shortage, and the next generation is our best hope to fill it. But they need to know these careers are an option — and they need to see that they’re welcome.
Every time we show up in a classroom, we’re not just talking about jobs. We’re showing students a future where they can build, fix, create, and thrive.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish more young people understood how great this work is,” then you already have a reason to get out there and share your story. You never know whose life you might change with just one conversation.