From Apprentice to Contractor: Joshua Mellott's Trade Journey
In this episode we explore the decline of trade jobs, the importance of mentoring and training, and the role of storytelling in attracting new talent to essential and rewarding trades careers.
Today, we're diving deep into the challenge of sustaining skilled trade professions with our guest, Joshua Mellott . Joshua, founder of the successful electrical contracting company Blackline, shares his journey from aspiring pilot to trades advocate. We'll explore the declining interest in trade jobs, the importance of mentorship, and how economic stability in essential services like plumbing and electrical work can be a resilient career path.
Joshua emphasizes the critical need for storytelling and education in trades to attract new talent. We'll discuss the role of social media influencers in changing perceptions, the impact of cultural biases against trades, and the inspiring tale of Joshua's father, a carpenter who influenced his path.
From debunking myths about age limits in trades to highlighting high demand and economic viability, this episode aims to shift narratives and inspire a new generation to embrace the legacy and fulfillment found in skilled trades. Stay tuned as we uncover the hidden yet vital work of tradespeople and explore how to elevate the profile of these essential professions.
Joshua Mellott's BIO
Joshua Mellott is a talented professional at Blackline, where he not only excels in his field but also contributes to the company's podcast, "The Line." During a recent episode, Joshua engaged in a profound conversation with Mike Holt, a renowned figure in electrical training. Joshua shared that during his apprentice days, he relied on Mike Holt's books to navigate the complexities of school textbooks. An interesting moment during the conversation was when Mike received a call from a 62-year-old man making a career change into the electrical field. This encounter deeply resonated with Joshua, reinforcing the belief that it's never too late to pursue new endeavors.
Joshua Mellott's Social Media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Blacklineltd/100095504736514/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuadmellott/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-d-mellott-0b0525118/
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@blacklineLTD
- Website: https://www.blacklineltd.com/
Timestamped overview
00:00 Age shouldn't deter career changes or learning.
06:14 Wanted to be a pilot, became electrician.
06:58 Trades offer lucrative and rewarding career opportunities.
11:43 It's a thankless, passionate, fulfilling, and risky job.
15:55 Blackline addresses industry workforce and education challenges.
16:42 Not training next generation, passing knowledge.
20:41 Opportunities arise from teaching and storytelling skills.
23:15 Improved trade perceptions via influencers on social media.
26:39 Change takes investment; even small efforts matter.
31:14 Trades are struggling; advocacy and outreach help.
34:28 Invest in others; it leads to fulfillment.
36:34 Join our trades community for insights. Subscribe.
Key Takeaways
1. The Skilled Trades Gap: A Growing Concern Andrew Brown, our host, underscores the pressing issue of the declining interest in trade jobs. Skilled trades suffer from an influx of retirements without eager replacements. Joshua Malotte’s journey highlights proactive solutions, such as creating his company to tackle workforce shortages head-on.
2. The Economic Resilience of Trades Joshua sheds light on the economic stability of trade professions. Essential services like electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC maintain their demand regardless of economic fluctuations. People always need repairs—making trades a reliable career choice even in uncertain times.
3. Storytelling: The Power to Transform Perception One major barrier to attracting new talent is the lack of compelling narratives around skilled trades. Joshua stresses the importance of storytelling, suggesting that trades can capture the public's imagination through engaging content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This approach is already changing perceptions and drawing interest from younger generations.
4. Cultural Shifts and Changing Narratives Joshua reflects on how societal undervaluation has historically affected trades. Despite aiming to be a pilot, he found fulfillment and financial stability in the electrical field. His father’s pride as a carpenter inspired him, showing that trades can build both community and personal legacy.
5. Addressing the Skills Shortage Efforts from organizations like the Skilled Trades Advisory Council are crucial in promoting trades within educational systems. Dedicated to raising awareness, they ensure students know about the viable and rewarding careers that skilled trades can offer.
6. Real-World Impacts and Inspirational Stories Joshua and Andrew believe in the power of mentorship and storytelling to bridge the skills gap. With trade professionals passing down their knowledge, and influencers highlighting the excitement and intricacy of these jobs, the trades are poised for a renaissance.
7. Personal Journeys and Career Changes The episode also busts the myth that it’s ever too late to enter the trades. Joshua’s story includes a career-defining apprenticeship journey and the decision to switch paths—proving that trades offer substantial growth and opportunity at any stage of life.
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