Fast Company’s Post

Most of the time, when Lexis Czumak-Abreu is stripping cables in a ditch or troubleshooting a sparking outlet, the size of her fan base doesn’t mean too much to her. But then she’ll be strolling through the airport in Las Vegas, and a stranger will call her name. Some 2.2 million people on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook watch Czumak-Abreu do her work as an electrician in Cornwall, N.Y. Maybe you are one of them. Did you see her recently atop a bucket truck, adding utility outlets to power poles? Or fixing an electric panel in a water-damaged basement?  “You feel just like a normal person, until you actually get confronted by people and you’re like, oh, my goodness, this is real, people know who I am,” says Czumak-Abreu, the 27-year-old daughter and granddaughter of electricians. Since she began posting videos from her job in 2022, she’s gotten thousands of messages from viewers saying she sparked their interest in trade work. Czumak-Abreu’s path is one that more young Americans are considering. Skepticism about the cost and value of four-year degrees is growing, and enrollment in vocational programs has risen as young people pursue well-paying jobs that don’t require desks or so much debt, and come with the potential to be your own boss. The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018. Fostering that appeal are workers like Czumak-Abreu, whose short videos have racked up millions of views. Some skilled-trades influencers are so popular, they’re making more money as influencers than they do plumbing or wiring. Homeowners who’ve taken to watching do-it-yourself YouTube tutorials and attempting their own sink or ceiling-fan installations are also tuning in. Czumak-Abreu makes $200,000 a year from clicks and brand deals with companies like Klein Tools and Carhartt, though she continues to work, often seven days a week. “I want my company to understand I’m a reliable employee,” she says, adding that if she cut her hours, she’d miss out on the commercial jobs that form the dramatic backbone of her feed, with their oversize coils of cable, outdoor trenches and heavy machinery.

Gen Z turns to #BlueCollar jobs: Wary of being saddled with debt from a four-year degree, members of Gen Z are increasingly turning to the trades. The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges jumped 16% last year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse — the highest level since tracking began in 2018. And being of the TikTok generation, many of these newly minted plumbers and electricians are documenting their work on social media, which only further drives interest. Half a million TikTok posts bore the hashtag #bluecollar in the first four months of 2024, a 64% increase over a year earlier. - In a twist, some skilled-trades influencers are making more money on TikTok than in the day jobs they document online — sometimes as much as $500,000 a year. - But even for non-influencers, the money is an increasingly attractive proposition: Pay for new construction hires is now better than for new hires in professional services such as accounting, per ADP.

The "Job of the Day" on Skilled Trades Plus (STP) is for a Corporate Plumber with the City of Guelph - a great opportunity. If interested please click on the caption or link and apply - https://lnkd.in/e9K5shp - STP's a one-stop hub connecting Employers/Recruiters and Job Seekers with Skilled Trades and Related (Production/Labouring/ Technician...) positions. With over 5000 motivated and qualified job seekers using STP weekly you'll find qualified workers at a fraction of the cost/time (posting on Indeed and alike is very expensive). We'll market and match your job postings to qualified candidates - a proven process for success. Job Seekers register for free, search and apply - there's 1000's of job postings updated on a continual basis. https://lnkd.in/e9K5shp Good-luck! Darin #recruiting #nowrecruiting #plumber #plumbing #jobs #employmentopportunities #skilledtrades

My prospective hire was under the impression that to become a plumber, a tech school was necessary. This may be the case out west, but not in North Dakota. I would much rather be hands on in the learning process. As an employer, this brings important responsibilities. This involves creating a curriculum that is fun, applicable, and accessible. It will provide me with instant feedback and an understanding of whether or not this person will work with the team. As an employee, I’m getting paid. Hell yeah money! I also know I will get to quickly apply what I have learned. I am not opposed to hiring anyone with a college education, but the importance of it in my hiring process is around a 2 on a scale of 1-10. Attributes one possesses that will be integral to team success are around a 9. The Comfortably Plumb method will be so organized and effective, all that an employee has to do to achieve a successful plumbing career is show up and utilize it.

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The skilled trades are a dying industry! Why? Nobody wants to get their hands dirty, work hard, do back-breaking work, and kids want instant gratification. 🔧 In todays world, most of us look up to movie stars, athletes, actors, and social media influencers.🌟 But we look down on plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and mechanics as last ditch career options?🤔 The contributions of skilled trades workers are often overlooked and neglected. It's time we recognize our blue collar skilled trades, men and women, as the ones to look up to and are the true heroes. #skilledtrades #jointhetrades #bluecollar #STAC --------------------- ↗ Hey, I'm Andrew. I post every day at 8 am EST. ↗ I'm a skilled trades advocate. ↗ Check out our STAC foundation: https://lnkd.in/e75tyKva ↗ Follow me, Andrew Brown

Excellence is the Standard.

I’ve had a varied career. At one point I helped build cabinets. In college, I delivered newspapers (that dates me!) I was a camp director. I even mowed lawns (for a couple of days!) Outside of delivering newspapers, these jobs were during my ‘professional career’. They were between my ‘real’ jobs They were for a season You do what it takes to pay the bills in order to have the career you want. The job after building cabinets was programmer to IT manager. The job after being camp director was full-time college instructor. The job after mowing lawns was computer consulting with a local firm. Somehow, it all works out. Have faith in the process. #jobsearch #careerpivot #uxdesign #careercoaching #professionaldevelopment

🔨 **Rethinking Unscripted Home Improvement TV: Elevating Skilled Trades** As a fan of home improvement shows, I believe it's time to give skilled trades the spotlight they deserve! 🌟 Too often, these talented professionals—plumbers, electricians, carpenters—are the backbone of our homes but remain unsung heroes on screen. Imagine a fresh take on unscripted TV, where we celebrate their craftsmanship and expertise. Let's shift the focus to their stories, challenges, and incredible skills that transform spaces. 🛠️ **Why Now?** 1. **Authenticity**: Real-life experiences showcase the heart and soul of skilled trades. 2. **Inspiration**: Motivate the next generation to pursue rewarding careers in trades. 3. **Education**: Learn practical tips and tricks from the pros. Let's support these hardworking men and women who bring our visions to life. It's time for unscripted home improvement TV to shine a new light on the true stars of renovation! 💡 #SkilledTrades #HomeImprovement #TVRevamp #RenovationStars #Craftsmanship

I worked in corporate for many years and learned so much. Now, as a small business owner of a manufacturing company, I've learned a whole new set of skills. I'm also much closer to the trades in this role than I ever was at corporate. I love working with the students and instructors at the Golden Strip Career and Technology Center and hiring the students through their work-based learning program. I wish more companies would do the same, because there is a huge need for trade professionals and, I believe, it is our responsibility to help train them for the future. This article about Gen Z making trades cool make my heart sing. There is a huge need and opportunity out there for skilled trades and the younger generation needs to know it exists! https://lnkd.in/efWrUpsN