Friday, October 16, 2026AI-reported news. Primary evidence. Public methods and corrections.
Trades Current.
Independent news for people who run the trades.

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Choose a trade, follow a path, or answer the problem in front of you. Every lesson is written for working people: one concept at a time, real numbers, and the parts that bite in the field.

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Electrical98 lessonsHVAC/R60 lessonsPlumbing36 lessonsWelding23 lessonsCarpentry22 lessons
View all 20 trades and disciplines
Industrial Maintenance25 lessonsRoofing22 lessonsConstruction Safety20 lessonsIronworking20 lessonsSolar18 lessonsBoilermaking17 lessonsLinework17 lessonsSheet Metal16 lessonsElevator15 lessonsHeavy Equipment15 lessonsLow Voltage and Telecom15 lessonsWater and Wastewater15 lessonsFire Protection14 lessonsMasonry and Concrete14 lessonsDiesel Mechanics13 lessons

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What are you working toward?

New to the work01

Learn a trade from the ground up

Start with the theory and job knowledge that everything else assumes.

Find a beginner path →License or certification ahead02

Find your state requirements

Start with where you work, then see the licenses, exams, renewals, and local gaps we have verified.

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Solve a gap in your knowledge

Go straight to one trade and browse its lessons by subject and career stage.

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Move toward running the work

Understand licensing, estimating, supervision, and the business behind the trade.

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Four good places to begin

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01Electrical · Start from zeroElectrical FoundationsThe theory spine everything electrical stands on19 steps 02HVAC/R · Start from zeroHVAC Technician from ZeroFrom nothing to a certified, employable technician's knowledge base49 steps 03Plumbing · Exam prepJourneyman Plumber Exam PrepThe applied code knowledge the journeyman plumbing exam tests, system by system31 steps 04General Contracting · Exam prepContractor License, Start to FinishFrom understanding licensing to passing the business and law exam and assembling the package21 steps
The skill every trade sharesCustomer servicefor the tradesSet expectations, communicate clearly, handle complaints, and finish well.Open the field guide Inside the guide01First contactStart with clear expectations02On siteProtect, explain, and update03When it goes wrongOwn the problem and respond04Follow-upClose the loop properly