Here we are with another book that I just had to review, because, as an educator (and school counselor, more specifically), there just don’t seem to be a lot of great books out there for students interested in pursuing a Trades career after high school. However, once I read 2020’s Millennials’ Guide to the Construction Trades: What No One Ever Told You About a Career In Construction, I knew I had finally found what I was looking for: a book that was equal parts accessible; honest; encouraging; practical; and informational—and with no fluff or industrial jargon—and that was co-written by a Trades professional, Karl D. Hughes, who boasts over forty-five years of total experience in the Construction Trades.

For students that enjoy building things with their hands; working indoors and outdoors—and on different job sites; working in team environments; and who even may want to avoid some of the pitfalls of student loan debt, this book was made specifically for them. Inside these 232 pages, students will learn how to get started in the Construction Trades while learning tips for being successful and building their career as a skilled laborer in the Trades industry.

Millennials’ Guide to the Construction–part of a twelve-book series, co-authored by Dr. Jennifer P. Wisdom—and geared towards students and younger workers—starts off in Section I by featuring profiles of twenty-five different Trades, including everything from Laborers to Ironworkers; to Carpenters to Construction Managers—and everything in-between. In this opening section, the authors start with a brief history of each Trade; what people in each Trade do; the kinds of skills needed for each Trade; and information on wages and employment outlooks (secret: most Construction Trades have strong current and future employment outlooks, according to the authors).  

Each Trade is thus showcased over the course of a few pages. Take Sheet Metal workers, for instance. For these workers, the authors give a brief history of their industry; provides a short description of what Sheet Metal workers do;  they preview a Sheet Metal worker’s environment; the education needed; valuable information on training/apprenticeships (and what’s next after completing an apprenticeship); license/certification and competencies needed (for example: being detail-oriented; displaying dexterity; possessing: math skills, mechanical skills, physical stamina, and physical strength; a section on Union/Non-Union differences; monetary compensation; employment outlook; and a listing of similar Trades (for instance, Trade 11: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician; Trade 13: Ironworker; and Trade 16: Millwright).

Then, in Section II, the authors move to a profile of thirteen different skills and abilities for being successful in the Construction Trades, highlighting such things as having mechanical ability; logical thinking and planning skills; ability to overcome fears; and being able to learn from mistakes—to name a few. What I like most about this section is that many of the skills and abilities highlighted are transferable and useful from Trade to Trade. Young readers interested in pursuing a Trades career can then see which skills they may already have a penchant for (and which skills they may want to try to build or reinforce). These industry-insider skills/abilities can also help young workers relate to co-workers; bosses; and successfully face different challenges that may arise in the Construction Trades.

Section III then features fourteen Success Tips for Trades works, showcasing such tips as showing up prepared to work; valuing the success of the construction project; keeping equipment in good order; and always maintaining a mindset and attitude of wanting to learn more.  Finally, Section IV features nineteen common challenges and opportunities in the Trades (with challenges often turning into opportunities!), such as interviewing for a new job in the Trades; asking for a raise or a promotion; and even addressing the differences between starting your own business verses working for a company. This final section also, optimistically, addresses (and encourages) women, under-represented racial/ethnic minority, and LGBTQ+ workers in the Trades. This final section, additionally, shows how new workers can practice important skills such as juggling work and home-life; communicating with others; and choosing the kind of life that they may want to create for themselves (the authors then provide at least five different solutions to each challenge and opportunity).

Finally, Hughes and Wisdom provide a For Further Reading Section that includes featured links to each of the twenty-five highlighted Trades’ top online informational sources (while also including quick profiles on different key organizations closely aligned and affiliated with the Building Trades).

Take it from me, you will learn a lot about the Construction Trades when you have finished reading this book—and so will your students! For active, hands-on learning students with a good work ethic, the Construction Trades can be a great career pathway—and one that is established (and maintained) by a blending of in-class and hands-on training. Some young and ambitious Trades workers may even want to go to college to study Construction Management or to eventually even perhaps go into business for themselves. In the Construction Trades, students can avoid student debt; earn a strong salary while many of their peers are still in college; have a portable career (that can also be transferable across state lines); and have the pride of knowing that they are helping to–quite literally–build our communities and country—and that’s not a bad way to earn a living, if you ask me!