Ep 198 TheTradesPodcast.com - 2026 Labor Statistics Pt. 2

In this episode, Jeff and Danny explore current workforce data and projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), focusing on the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the United States. They discuss how industries like construction, energy, and infrastructure are creating increased demand for roles such as welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. The conversation also highlights newer opportunities connected to renewable energy systems, electrification, and AI-driven infrastructure development. The hosts break down median wage insights, job security trends, and long-term employment projections, showing why trades careers continue to outperform expectations in stability and earning potential. They also emphasize the importance of awareness, mentorship, and training programs to help close the gap between open positions and available skilled workers.  guest links   Twitter - https://twitter.com/JeffMudd LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jeffmudd Website - https://thetradespodcast.com/    key  topics Demand and growth in skilled trades Median wages and job openings Emerging fields: solar, AI infrastructure Career pathways in welding, carpentry, HVAC Impact of technology and geopolitics on trades   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Trades Podcast and Overview of Part Two 01:19 Exploring the Demand for Skilled Trades 05:46 Welding: Opportunities and Industry Insights 09:54 Carpentry: Career Paths and Earnings Potential 13:47 Construction Labor: Entry Points and Growth 17:53 Heavy Equipment Operations: Skills and Opportunities 23:21 Career Longevity in Heavy Equipment Operations 23:58 Transitioning from Laborer to Heavy Equipment Operator 25:40 Understanding Industrial Machinery Mechanics 27:25 Opportunities for Retiring Workers in Mechanics 29:18 The Role of HVAC in Modern Infrastructure 31:25 Elevator and Escalator Mechanics: A Niche Field 34:27 The Financial Benefits of Elevator Installation Careers 37:24 The Growing Field of Solar Energy 40:19 Regional Demand for Solar Installers 41:56 Future Opportunities in Solar and Space 43:13 Recap of Key Trades and Their Growth 44:53 The Value of Trades vs. Traditional College Paths 47:07 Building a Positive Work Culture in Trades 49:02 The Demand for Skilled Workers in the Trades  resources Bureau of Labor Statistics 2026 Report - https://www.bls.gov/ BlackRock Skill Trades Investment - https://www.blackrock.com/ Simpson Strong Tie Texas Facility Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example SpaceX Artemis Missions - https://www.spacex.com/ Solar Energy Industry Insights - https://www.energy.gov/renewables/solar National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - https://www.nahb.org/ About The Trades PodcastWebsitehttps://www.thetradespodcast.comHosted byJeff Mudd and Danny TorresThe Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community. Support the Trades MovementIf this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.