The Skilled Trades Shortage

By Guest Post

Mike’s Advice / Holmes on Homes Podcast Expert Advice

Friday, August 22nd, 2025 @ 1:17pm

The Trades Are More Than a Backup Plan

For years, skilled trades were seen as a “Plan B.” You’ve probably heard it: “If you don’t go to university, you can always be a plumber.” That kind of thinking drives me crazy. The reality is, the trades are Plan A — for smart, skilled, hardworking people who want to build a solid career. Electricians, HVAC techs, framers, masons — these folks are the backbone of every home, every city, every piece of infrastructure we rely on.

But we’re facing a huge challenge right now: a skilled trades shortage. We’ve got more people retiring than entering the trades. And we’ve got to fix that — fast.

Making Trades Training Exciting

If we want to get more young people into the trades, we’ve got to make it exciting—because it IS exciting! Let’s bring new tech like 3D printing and new digital tools in front of the younger generation.

We need to SHOW youth what it’s really like out there. That’s why Try-A-Trade days, jobsite tours, and hands-on training events are so important. When students get to feel the tools in their hands and see what they can build with their own two hands—it’s a game-changer. That moment clicks, and they realize, “Hey, I could do this.”

We also need to modernize how we train—VR tools, simulators, smart tech integration—the future of the trades is already here, and it’s COOL. Let’s use that to our advantage.

Virtual Reality: A New Way for Trades Training

So how do we attract the next generation? How do we train them faster, safer, and smarter?

Two words: Virtual Reality.

Yup — the same tech your kids use for gaming is now revolutionizing how we train electricians, welders, and carpenters. With VR, apprentices can practice complex skills in a safe, immersive environment before ever stepping onto a job site.

On the Holmes on Homes podcast, I sat down with some amazing innovators who are developing VR training programs that simulate real-life scenarios — like troubleshooting a faulty breaker box or navigating a dangerous confined space. It’s hands-on learning without the risk. And the results? Students are learning faster, retaining more, and showing up to job sites ready to work.

Addressing The Skilled Trades Shortage

On several episodes of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I have invited guests to come have a conversation with me about the shortage in the skilled trades. We share ideas. We learn from each other. It’s about changing the narrative around the trades and giving them the spotlight they deserve.

So whether you’re a seasoned pro, a parent wondering about your kid’s future, or someone thinking about making a career switch — this podcast is for you.

Make it Right doesn’t just mean fixing bad renos — it means doing right by the next generation of skilled tradespeople. And with tools like VR and a renewed focus on mentorship and training, we’ve got everything we need to build a stronger, smarter workforce.

🎧 Listen to the Holmes on Homes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to subscribe — we’ve got some amazing guests coming up who are reshaping the future of trades.

Listen to the Holmes on Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms including Spotify and⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠- 🎙️

About Holmes on Homes Podcast

Mike Holmes, a seasoned professional contractor and television host, is renowned for his commitment to quality and safety in home construction and renovation. He extends his expertise through the “Holmes on Homes Podcast,” where he engages in in-depth discussions with trade experts to provide listeners with valuable insights on building safer, healthier homes.

In each podcast episode, Mike addresses a wide range of topics, including electrical safety, healthy pet living, and pondscaping, offering practical advice to homeowners. The show features interviews with industry professionals and answers to common questions, aiming to educate and empower listeners in their home improvement endeavours.

Through the “Holmes on Homes Podcast,” Mike Holmes continues his mission to promote quality craftsmanship and safety in the home improvement industry, providing listeners with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their homes.