Time to Push the Reset Button

A Rare Opportunity to Redefine the Trades

If our industry ever needed a “do-over,” this is it.

Being classified as essential during COVID gave the skilled trades something rare: an opportunity to reshape the narrative. How we respond—and whether we rise to that challenge—is entirely up to us.

Setting or resetting expectations for an entire profession doesn’t happen often. We have the chance to establish standards that become the new normal.

A Changing Workforce Landscape

There is a significant workforce gap in America. The demand for qualified, trained, and experienced professionals has never been greater—and filling that gap is critical to economic growth.

The old labels of “white collar” and “blue collar” no longer tell the full story.

Today, we see terms like:

• No Collar
• New Collar
• Grey Collar

These roles require specialized training and technical skill, but not necessarily a four-year degree. In uncertain times, promoting stable, high-demand careers with strong pay, benefits, and growth opportunities is a tremendous advantage.

The outdated perception of low wages and limited opportunity is being replaced with a far more compelling reality:

• Little to no student debt
• Career advancement paths
• Financial stability
• Long-term professional growth

Careers in the trades are exactly that—careers. They should be presented as intentional, respected professional paths, not temporary jobs while someone “figures things out.”

It’s our responsibility to educate the next generation about the viable career paths available in this industry and to clearly communicate the value and benefits it provides.

Change Starts Within

Reinventing an industry doesn’t begin with marketing campaigns or hiring strategies—it begins internally.

In any meaningful transformation—whether personal or professional—the first step is self-reflection. The same principle applies here. To elevate the industry, we must examine how we represent ourselves and our roles.

In a recent webinar hosted by Chris Elmore and Chris Loudermilk of Service Excellence Training, the focus was professionalism and raising the image of the trades. Alongside leaders like Todd Liles, the message was clear: we haven’t always done the best job of elevating our own image.

One hard truth shared during that discussion was that, at times, we have unintentionally diminished the perception of our technicians rather than highlighting their expertise and professionalism.

That insight may be uncomfortable—but it’s also necessary.

Reinventing the Image of the Trades

Reinvention gives us the chance to remove the stigma that has long followed our professions.

But that won’t happen by accident. It requires:

• Raising professional standards
• Emphasizing ongoing education and certification
• Communicating the complexity and expertise required in our work
• Modeling professionalism in every customer interaction

Every business owner, manager, and technician has a role to play in this shift.

We must:

1. Create a clear vision for what modern trades professionalism looks like.
2. Implement changes that support that vision.
3. Actively promote the new expectations within our communities.

The Future Is Ours to Shape

This moment is more than a temporary shift—it’s an inflection point.

We have the opportunity to redefine how the public views our industry, attract high-caliber talent, and build long-term respect for skilled trades careers.

But lasting change requires commitment—from all of us.

The question isn’t whether the opportunity exists.

It’s whether we’re willing to take responsibility for shaping what comes next.