On this episode of Trade Up, Lisa Brandt and John Finan discuss what today’s young people entering the trades are looking for—work-life balance, caring leadership, and clear career advancement opportunities. John also dives into Helmets to Hardhats, a program supporting military veterans transitioning into trades careers, and shares his perspective on how the industry can adapt to meet these changing priorities. With historical insights and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of the trades.

If you’d like to share your story or be a guest on the podcast, email John at john@tradeupbook.ca.

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan sits down with Bella Cantin, a network cabling apprentice who shares her inspiring journey into the skilled trades. Bella discusses finding her niche after exploring carpentry, her love for hands-on work, and the invaluable lessons learned from her father, a multi-trade professional.

From navigating live train tracks to working across Ontario and transitioning between unions, Bella's story is packed with insights for anyone curious about careers in the trades. She also reflects on why skipping university was the right choice for her and how she’s building a stable, fulfilling career with endless opportunities to grow.

Whether you're considering a career change, starting out in the trades, or simply curious about what it’s like to work in network cabling, this episode is a must-listen!

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode, John Finan offers his take on something Mike Holmes recently said. Mike believes that taking trade classes out of schools was "the worst decision in education." We'll find out whether John agrees.

Polling shows more and more young adults want to take up a skilled trade instead of taking a corporate job. And why private equity firms are gobbling up companies that specialize in things like plumbing and electrical work.

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/