Episode 1

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Published on:

1st Dec 2023

Welding is A Dying Career Path

Welcome to another episode of "Lost Art of The Skilled Trades," where today we tackle a provocative question: Is welding a dying career? Joining us is the seasoned John King, owner of JK Welding and Trail Westgate, whose hands-on experience has sculpted his views on the trade's future, and our very own Andrew Brown, who brings his entrepreneurial insight to the table.

In this episode, John King, who you can find sharing his expertise on various social media platforms under the names John King and JK Welding Trails West, will touch upon his compelling personal backstory of overcoming adversity, his work ethics shaped by a hustler’s mindset, and the challenges of staff management when top talent clashes with company culture. He frankly discusses the departure of a skilled yet disruptive worker named Barry and the ripples it caused within his business.

We'll dive into the stark statistics that paint a picture of the shortage crisis in the welding industry—360,000 welders needed by 2027—as well as the wide gap left by retiring veterans. Despite a growing industry and increasing wages, where is the new blood? We'll explore this with our guests, who emphasize the irreplaceable value of seasoned human expertise over machines and the urgent need for hands-on mentorship to bridge the skills gap.

Notably, John King will share a teaser about an upcoming project poised to make history in the Guinness Book of World Records. He'll also reflect on the entrepreneurial spirit, the pragmatic value of old-school values in training, and how on-the-job learning can transform willing helpers into skilled tradespeople in under six months.

We'll discuss how basic skills like reading a tape measure remain fundamental, the impact of technology on these skills, and the respect and admiration for the artisans of welding. Finally, we'll examine the significant role of social media for businesses today.

Andrew and John will also talk about their unique paths that led them from diverse beginnings into the heart of the skilled trades, with Andrew recounting a pivotal life shift post-9/11.

So grab your gears and fire up your torches as we weld together insight, expertise, and real-world stories to understand the livelihood and legacy of welding in this edition of "Lost Art of The Skilled Trades."

Employee Termination, 2. Top Performers, 3. Organizational Culture, 4. Social Media Marketing, 5. World Record Project, 6. Skilled Trades Shortage, 7. Welding Industry, 8. Creative Work, 9. Overcoming Adversity, 10. Hustle and Determination, 11. Career Transition, 12. Entrepreneurship, 13. Workshop Mentoring, 14. Trade Skills Training, 15. Employee Development, 16. Measuring Skills, 17. Technology Impact, 18. Continuous Learning, 19. Knowledge Transfer, 20. Welding Apprenticeship, 21. Welder's Salary, 22. Inflation Impact, 23. Female Welders, 24. Custom Fabrication, 25. Business Acumen, 26. Social Media Influence, 27. Welding Job Statistics, 28. AI in Welding, 29. Academic Vocational Training, 30. Student Welding Competitions


Follow Andrew Brown

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toolfetch
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/
  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.l.brown
  • Website: https://www.toolfetch.com



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About the Podcast

The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades




Welcome to The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, the ultimate podcast dedicated to celebrating and exploring the world of skilled trades. Hosted by Andrew Brown, a passionate advocate for the trades industry and co-founder of Toolfetch, this podcast is your go-to source for knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Andrew brings a unique perspective shaped by years of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial success, and a deep commitment to elevating the trades.





Dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of skilled trades, where creativity, problem-solving, and dedication come together to build the world around us. From carpentry and HVAC systems to electricians, plumbers, millwrights, and beyond, every episode uncovers the grit, determination, and artistry that define the people behind these essential professions.



Andrew’s journey began with a life-changing moment on September 11, 2001, when he worked alongside tradespeople, first responders, and community helpers at Ground Zero. This experience inspired him to dedicate his life to advocating for the unsung heroes of the trades. Through his company Toolfetch, Andrew has helped provide tools, equipment, and resources to industry professionals worldwide. Now, through this podcast, he continues his mission to spotlight the craftsmanship, hard work, and dedication of tradespeople everywhere.




Each episode features in-depth interviews with industry experts, seasoned professionals, and rising stars in the trades. From contractors and electricians to HVAC specialists, plumbers, carpenters, and more, listeners will gain insider knowledge about the skills, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in these essential fields. Andrew also speaks with educators, advocates, and business leaders who are working to inspire the next generation of tradespeople, offering a fresh perspective on the value and opportunities within the trades.




At its core, The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades is more than just a podcast — it’s a celebration of a culture built on pride in craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In a time when traditional career paths are overemphasized, this podcast shines a light on an alternative: rewarding careers in skilled trades that offer creativity, financial stability, and the satisfaction of building something tangible.




Whether you’re a seasoned trades professional, an aspiring craftsman, or simply curious about the industry, this podcast is your ultimate guide to the untold stories and secrets of success in trades like refrigeration, building, plumbing, and construction. Join Andrew Brown as he celebrates the artistry, resilience, and innovation of the skilled trades — and inspires a new generation to pick up the tools that keep our world running.




About Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown is a fervent advocate for the skilled trades and is dedicated to addressing and then fixing the trades shortage gap. Through platforms such as social media, podcasts, and live events, he tirelessly promotes the benefits of the trades to students, parents, and educators. For over 23 years Andrew along with his co-founder has built one of the country’s largest on-line tools and equipment eCommerce companies - Toolfetch - focused specifically on the Industrial & Construction Supply Industry.




Follow Andrew Brown

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toolfetch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.l.brown

Website: https://www.toolfetch.com




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Andrew Brown