The Truth About Skilled Trades in 2026 | Boilermakers, Unions, Pay & Career Reality

Everyone talks about the skilled trades shortage, but are the jobs really worth it?In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy Rhoades sits down with Jacob Evanson, Business Manager of Boilermakers Local 627, for an honest conversation about the realities of working in the trades. They tackle the questions people are asking online:• Do skilled trades actually pay enough?• Is the work too hard on your body?• How important are unions in today's workforce?• What happens when projects end?• Are apprenticeships better than college?• Will AI replace skilled trade careers?• How are data centers, semiconductor plants, mining, nuclear energy, and America's manufacturing revival creating new opportunities?Jacob shares his own journey as a third-generation boilermaker and explains how apprenticeship programs, mentorship, healthcare benefits, pensions, continuing education, and union support systems help workers build long-term careers instead of simply finding jobs.The conversation also explores mental health in construction, workforce shortages, career advancement into project management and welding inspection, and why skilled workers remain essential to America's future.Whether you're a student, parent, career changer, veteran, or someone wondering if the trades are still a smart career path, this episode offers a candid look at what life in the skilled trades really looks like.In this episode:✔ Boilermaker careers explained✔ Union vs non-union jobs✔ Apprenticeship opportunities✔ Skilled trades pay and benefits✔ Mental health in construction✔ Career growth beyond the tools✔ Data centers and AI-driven infrastructure✔ Energy, mining, and manufacturing jobs✔ Workforce development in America✔ The future of skilled tradesLearn more about Boilermakers Local 627:https://www.627.org#SkilledNation #Boilermakers #SkilledTrades #UnionJobs #Apprenticeship #ConstructionCareers #Welding #Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #DataCenters #NuclearEnergy #BlueCollar #TradeSchool #CareerChange #Infrastructure