The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades

Aircraft maintenance technician Bret Oestreich on signing off 250 lives every night shift — and why aviation's most essential trade stays hidden.Every time you board a plane, someone signed their name to a document saying that aircraft is airworthy. That person is an Aircraft Maintenance Technician — and most passengers never see them, never think about them, and never know they exist. Bret Oestreich, National President of AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association), has spent decades inside this world. He started on C-130s in the Air Force, earned his A&P license and pilot's license simultaneously, and worked his way from general aviation to American Airlines to Southwest Airlines before leading one of the most important independent unions in aviation.AMFA represents over 7,500 AMTs across the United States and Canada — and Bret is sounding the alarm: the pipeline of new technicians is not keeping up with retirements, only 8% of military veterans with relevant experience are transitioning into civilian aviation maintenance, and women represent just 2.8% of the AMT workforce. Meanwhile, the job demands more than most people realize — technical knowledge, soft skills, and the integrity to do the right thing at 3am when nobody's watching.If you're a young person who's never heard of this career, a veteran unsure how to translate your skills, or anyone who wants to understand what it actually takes to keep planes flying — this episode is for you.IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) – The Invisible Workforce: Why aircraft maintenance technicians are the most essential people on the tarmac that nobody ever sees — and why that invisibility is the industry's biggest recruitment problem.(01:00) – Soft Skills vs. Tech Skills: What Bret says new AMTs are most unprepared for, why Gen Z's lack of hands-on mechanical experience is a real challenge, and why humility matters more than technical knowledge on day one.(04:35) – The Visibility Problem: How AMFA is trying to reach younger generations through grade school events, aviation days, and votech programs — and why you can't wait until high school to plant the seed.(09:15) – Bret's Career Story: From working on rusted leaf springs in Minnesota to C-130s in the Air Force, then general aviation, American Airlines, and Southwest — how Bret built a career no one told him was possible.(12:41) – The Military-to-AMT Pipeline: Why only 8% of vets with aviation maintenance experience transition into civilian AMT roles, what the SkillBridge program is doing to help, and why earning the A&P license requires planning two years before separation — not six months.(30:08) – Knowledge, Skill, Integrity: What it's actually like to sign off on a commercial aircraft at 3am under pressure from the airline, and why AMFA's three-word code is the only thing standing between corner-cutting and catastrophe.Key TakeawaysAircraft maintenance technicians are invisible by design — passengers see pilots and flight attendants, but AMTs work overnight while planes are grounded, which is exactly why awareness campaigns have to start in grade school, not high school.Only 8% of military veterans with aviation maintenance experience transition into civilian AMT careers — largely because no one tells them how, and the A&P licensing process requires proactive planning at least two years before leaving the military.When AMTs are surveyed about what they want from employers, pay ranks first — but quality of life, scheduling flexibility, and culture follow close behind, and many workers say they'll accept less pay for more respect and control over their schedule.AMFA's guiding principle — knowledge, skill, integrity — means doing the job right even when the airline is pushing for a faster turnaround and no one is watching, because the person who signs off on that aircraft is personally accountable for every passenger on board.About the GuestBret Oestreich is the National President of AMFA, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association — the only independent craft union in North America exclusively representing aircraft maintenance technicians. AMFA represents approximately 5,500 AMTs at U.S. carriers including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Airlines, Spirit, and Sun Country, and recently expanded into Canada with over 2,000 members at carriers including WestJet and Jazz.Bret's career as an AMT began in the U.S. Air Force, where he worked on C-130 cargo and special operations aircraft as both a crew chief and technician. He later earned his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and private pilot certificate simultaneously before moving into general aviation and commercial aviation at American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Under his leadership, AMFA has grown from 4,000 to 7,500+ members and made history as the only trade union certified for aircraft maintenance engineers in Canada.Keywordsaircraft maintenance technician, AMT career, aviation maintenance, airframe and powerplant license, A&P license, aircraft mechanic, aviation workforce shortage, AMFA, Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, Bret Oestreich, SkillBridge program, military to civilian transition, skilled trades aviation, aviation mechanic salary, Gen Z skilled trades, votech aviation, aviation industry careers, aircraft mechanic jobs, aviation apprenticeship, Andrew Brown, The Lost Art of the Skilled TradesRESOURCE LINKSBret Oestreich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-oestreich-ba41b550AMFA National Website: https://www.amfanational.orgAMFA Delivers: https://amfadelivers.orgSUPPORT THE SHOWIf you found value in this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with someone who needs to hear it. 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Before skill, before technology, trades careers are built on responsibility and showing up.Andrew Brown and Dan Callies, President of Oak Creek Plumbing, break down what actually sustains blue-collar careers: character, mentorship, and earned respect.Andrew and Dan explore how plumbing apprenticeships develop more than technical skill, why hire for character, train for skill remains a durable leadership principle, and what it really takes to grow from apprentice to journeyman to business owner. Drawing from decades in the field and in leadership, Dan explains how accountability, attitude, and consistency shape long-term success in the trades.The conversation also examines the AI impact on skilled trades, not as a threat to craftsmanship, but as a tool to support efficiency, diagnostics, training, and operations. Dan shares how Oak Creek Plumbing uses technology to digitize routine processes while preserving the human judgment required for hands-on problem-solving.Whether you’re considering skilled trades careers, currently in a plumbing apprenticeship, leading blue collar teams, or trying to understand how AI fits into construction and contracting, this episode delivers experience-backed insight from someone who has built both people and businesses in the trades.IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) – Skilled Trades Careers Today: Why the trades remain the backbone of the economy(06:10) – Hire for Character, Train for Skill: What leaders actually look for on job sites(14:45) – Plumbing Apprenticeships Explained: Earning while learning and building mastery(24:30) – The AI Impact on Skilled Trades: Digitize what you can, humanize what you must(35:50) – Blue Collar Careers vs College Debt: Time, patience, and long-term payoff(49:20) – Advice for Young People Entering Skilled Trades Careers TodayKey TakeawaysSkilled trades careers are built through consistency, responsibility, and showing up, before skill ever takes over.A plumbing apprenticeship develops technical ability, discipline, and leadership over time.Hiring for character and training for skill creates stronger tradespeople and healthier companies.The AI impact on skilled trades improves efficiency and training but cannot replace hands-on judgment or craftsmanship.About the GuestDan Callies is the President of Oak Creek Plumbing and a second-generation plumber with decades of experience in the field and in leadership. He has worked through every stage of the trade, from apprenticeship to ownership, and remains deeply involved in mentorship, workforce development, and industry advocacy.Dan is a strong proponent of apprenticeship training, union education, and responsible technology adoption. He believes the future of blue collar work depends on character, accountability, and leaders willing to invest in people over time.KeywordsSkilled Trades Careers, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Hire for Character Train for Skill, Blue Collar Leadership, AI Impact on Skilled Trades, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Contractors, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, Carpentry, Millwrights, Andrew Brown, Dan Callies, Oak Creek Plumbing, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory CouncilRESOURCE LINKSLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-callies-6a641613/Website: https://www.oakcreekplumbing.com/SUPPORT THE SHOW:If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolboxEvery dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.

The first thing a superintendent said to Valerie Butler on a jobsite was: ‘You’re not who we want out here.’”Host Andrew Brown sits down with Valerie Butler, a plumbing apprentice at P.I.P.E. Incorporated, to explore how to build a successful plumbing career path in today’s skilled trades industry. Valerie shares her journey from the Marine Corps to a hands-on plumbing apprenticeship, offering real insight into military to trades career transitions, job site realities, and the value of skilled trades mentorship.This episode takes an honest look at what it’s like being one of the first women in a company’s apprenticeship program, how plumbers actually get started without industry connections, and why the trades offer long-term opportunity without college debt. If you’re exploring women in the skilled trades, considering a plumbing apprenticeship, or looking for a proven plumbing career path, this conversation delivers practical guidance from someone living it.IN THIS EPISODE(00:01) – From Military to Trades Career: How Valerie transitioned from the Marine Corps into a plumbing apprenticeship(07:58) – Plumbing Apprenticeship 101: How to get hired, what first-year plumbers actually do(15:40) – Women in the Skilled Trades: Navigating job sites, skepticism, and earning respect(26:22) – Skilled Trades Mentorship: Why the right foreman changes everything(35:55) – Plumbing Career Path & Pay Progression: Apprentice wages vs journeyman income(47:30) – Advice for Gen Z & Career Changers: How to test trades careers without long-term risk Key TakeawaysA plumbing apprenticeship provides paid education and long-term career security without student loan debt.Women in the skilled trades are reshaping construction culture through planning, leadership, and problem-solving.Military to trades career transitions offer a strong advantage, especially in discipline, confidence, and adaptability.Skilled trades mentorship accelerates learning, builds confidence, and shortens the path to mastery. About the GuestValerie Butler is a plumbing apprentice at P.I.P.E. Incorporated and a passionate advocate for women in the skilled trades. After leaving the Marine Corps due to injury, Valerie pursued a plumbing apprenticeship, proving that a military to trades career can lead to stability, growth, and fulfillment.As one of the first women apprentices in her company, Valerie actively supports skilled trades mentorship, participates in career fairs, and uses LinkedIn to help more women explore sustainable plumbing career paths in the trades industry.KeywordsWomen in the Skilled Trades, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Military to Trades Career, Skilled Trades Mentorship, Plumbing Career Path, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Valerie Butler, P.I.P.E. Incorporated, Toolfetch, Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, Carpentry, Millwrights, Construction, Trades Careers, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Advocacy, Contractors, Industry Experts, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory CouncilRESOURCE LINKSWebsite: https://pipeinc.net/SUPPORT THE SHOW:If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolboxEvery dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.

Host Andrew Brown tackles the growing welding workforce shortage and explains why it’s one of the most urgent challenges facing the construction and skilled trades industries today. As experienced tradespeople retire and fewer young workers enter the pipeline, the future of welding jobs in the U.S. hangs in the balance.Andrew breaks down how to get into the welding trade, why traditional advice is failing Gen Z, and what’s missing from today’s education system. He explores skilled trades careers for Gen Z, highlighting how craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity are being overlooked in favor of outdated college-only narratives.The episode also compares welder apprenticeship vs trade school, showing contractors, parents, and young workers how to evaluate real career pathways not marketing promises. Along the way, Andrew ties welding to the broader ecosystem of carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, millwrights, and the entire trades industry, calling for stronger advocacy and leadership from industry experts, contractors, and organizations like the Skilled Trades Advisory Council.IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) Why This Episode Matters: The Welding Workforce Shortage & AWS Summit Context (02:19) 9/11, the Trades, and Why This Mission Became Personal (05:13) From IT to Trades Advocacy: Building Toolfetch and Telling Trade Stories (07:28) Why Gen Z Isn’t Entering the Trades: Shop Class, Guidance Counselors, and Perception (09:47) Trade School vs Reality: Barriers to Entry and Early-Career Frustration (11:49) How to Get Into the Welding Trade: Standing Out, Follow-Up, and Personal Branding (14:17) The Future of Welding Jobs in the U.S. and Why AI Won’t Replace the Trades (16:44) Final Advice: Earning Your Stripes, Staying Patient, and Building a CareerKEY TAKEAWAYSThe welding workforce shortage is a long-term structural problem driven by retirements, broken education pipelines, and poor messaging.The future of welding jobs in the U.S. remains strong, stable, and essential to construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing.Choosing between welder apprenticeship vs trade school depends on mentorship, employer commitment, and real job placement—not tuition price alone.Skilled trades careers for Gen Z must be reframed around purpose, creativity, problem-solving, and long-term opportunity.KEYWORDS:Welding workforce shortage, How to get into the welding trade, Skilled trades careers for Gen Z, Welder apprenticeship vs trade school, Future of welding jobs in the U.S., Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory CouncilABOUT THE HOSTAndrew Brown is the host of The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades podcast and the founder of Trades Media. He works with industry leaders, educators, and employers to close the skilled trades workforce gap by telling real, on-the-job stories that resonate with the next generation. Andrew focuses full-time on elevating trades careers through podcasting, keynote speaking, and live event activations across North America.SUPPORT THE SHOW:If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolboxEvery dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.

Career change at 40? Learn how skilled trades careers, plumbing apprenticeships, and the Trade Up Program help adults start working with your hands.Host Andrew Brown sits down with Lixil America’s Senior National Sales Trainer Vinny Arnese to unpack what it really looks like to make a career change at 40, begin a plumbing apprenticeship, join the Skilled Trades, or shift into a hands-on career through the Trade Up Program.They break down the rising demand for skilled trades careers, why so many people over 40 are ditching white-collar stress for working with your hands, and how Lixil’s national initiatives support contractors, educators, and the next generation through real advocacy.Whether you're exploring a career change at 40, researching skilled trades careers, or considering a plumbing apprenticeship, this episode delivers grounded advice, personal stories, and real industry insight you won’t hear anywhere else.IN THIS EPISODE:● (00:00) – Why Skilled Trades Careers Are Exploding: Demand, wages, and why more people make a career change at 40.● (04:52) – Is It Too Late at 40? Real stories of adults shifting careers and finally enjoying working with your hands.● (10:41) – Inside the Trade Up Program: How Lixil America is reshaping pathways into skilled trades careers through advocacy & education.● (18:22) – What a Plumbing Apprenticeship Really Looks Like: Earn-while-you-learn, tuition support, and contractor pathways.● (25:55) – Gen Z, School Counselors & Trades Education: Why the industry needs more structured messaging and exposure.● (32:14) – Purpose & Fulfillment Through Hands-On Work: Problem-solving, craftsmanship, and why working with your hands transforms lives.Key Takeaways:● A career change at 40 is not only realistic—it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing entry points into skilled trades careers.● A plumbing apprenticeship gives you paid training, fast advancement, and long-term job security without student debt.● Lixil America’s Trade Up Program is helping adults and students find real pathways into the trades through advocacy and hands-on exposure.● Working with your hands offers creativity, purpose, problem-solving, and financial stability in a way many white-collar roles no longer provide.About the Guest Vinny Arnese is the Senior National Sales Trainer for Lixil America, representing American Standard, GROHE, and DXV. He leads Lixil’s nationwide Trade Up Program, an initiative designed to close the talent gap by guiding students, adults, contractors, and educators toward skilled trades careers—including mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, electricians, millwrights, and construction.A passionate advocate for the Skilled Trades, Vinny works closely with educators, unions, contractors, and industry experts. His mission is to help anyone—from high school students to those making a career change at 40—discover the stability and fulfillment of working with your hands through training, mentorship, and access to proper education pathways like a plumbing apprenticeship.Keywords Career Change at 40, Skilled Trades Careers, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Trade Up Program, Working With Your Hands, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Vinny Arnese, Lixil, Lixil America, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Contractors, Industry Experts, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory CouncilResource Links:Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinny-arnese-7a71006b/Lixil Website: https://www.lixil.com/SUPPORT THE SHOW:If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolboxEvery dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.