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Home Talking Trades

Talking Trades

Apprentice Day

Matt is CJ’s apprentice for the day on one of his active projects. He learns from CJ what a day in the life is like for someone doing electrical work and learns that the craft in this trade takes a lot of practice and patience.

They talk more about what a typical day is like for an electrician and why CJ chose working in the trades as a career. CJ gives advice for someone starting the trades and talks more about his journey as an electrician.

 

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Episodes

Talking Trades

Episode 1    

This BUILD Original Series showcases industry experts sharing insights on high-performance homes and trade careers. Thank you to our sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco!

Talking Plumbing: Part 1

Episode 2    

Matt spends a day with Master Plumber and Electrical Contractor Eric Aune in Minneapolis, learning about his journey in the trades and the benefits of being your own boss. Thank you to our sponsors!

Talking Plumbing: Part 2

Episode 3    

Matt gains real-world plumbing experience on apprentice day, discussing wages and career start with Eric. Thanks to sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco for their support!

Talking Plumbing: Part 3

Episode 4    

Matt and Eric discuss the realities of working in the plumbing industry, including the pros and cons of being your own boss. Eric shares valuable insights for those looking to pursue a career in plumbing.

Talking Electrical: Part 1

Episode 5    

Matt meets Master Electrician CJ Nielsen in Napa, CA, learning about craftsmanship and the variety of work in the electrical trade. They discuss CJ's path to becoming a business owner. Thank you to our sponsors!

Talking Electrical: Part 3

Episode 7    

Matt and CJ discuss their experiences and perspectives in the electrical trade, sharing stories of camaraderie and reflecting on attitudes towards trades. Special thanks to sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco.

Talking Drywall: Part 1

Episode 8    

Matt spent a day learning about drywalling in Bozeman, Montana with Master Drywaller Lydia Crowder. He got hands-on experience mixing mud and gained insight into the complexity of the trade.

Talking Drywall: Part 2

Episode 9    

Matt learns about the steps to becoming a drywaller from Lydia and experiences first-hand how messy and challenging the trade can be on Apprentice Day.

Talking Drywall: Part 3

Episode 10    

Matt and Lydia discuss Lydia's journey in the drywall trade, average earnings, and her experiences. Special offer from Sashco for Pro viewers. Thank you to our sponsors Frontdoor and Sashco.

Talking Carpentry: Part 1

Episode 11    

Matt is heading east to visit Zack Dettmore, a Master Carpenter & Home Remodeling Contractor in New Jersey.

Talking Carpentry: Part 2

Episode 12    

Matt visits Zack's workshop and Matt is ready to work! The two start on a restoration journey of a 130-year-old door salvaged from a home renovation project. They discuss the intricacies of the restoration process and Matt learns carpentry tips and tracks from Master Carpenter, Zack.

Talking Carpentry: Part 3

Episode 13    

In this episode of Talking Trades, Master Carpenter Zack and Builder Matt discuss the career trajectory of a junior carpenter, highlighting the opportunities and challenges along the way. They discuss the incremental increase in wages as skills improve, with potential earnings reaching $87 an hour for highly skilled tradespeople.

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