On this episode, John offers his take on a number of stories making the news, including the new awards for apprentices and mentors, and a reduction of foreign temporary workers announced, but not in the construction sector.

John also reflects on his previous conversation with Campbell MacArthur about his unique experience in the trades industry.

On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks to Campbell MacArthur about his unique experience in the trades industry and his path to owning his own business, Cam's Colours Painting & Finishing.

Learn more about Cam's Colours at https://www.camscolours.ca/.

On this episode, John shares his thoughts on some freebie experiences for high school students that are looking for a path in the trades & why the "golden rule" shouldn't be followed. Lisa & John also talk about a new no-fee bank account for apprentices that's being offered by one of the big Canadian banks.

On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks to one of his newest employees at Finan Home Service - his son, Blake!

Instead of following his Dad into the family business, Blake spent a few years on very different career paths. He'll explain why he has decided that a skilled trade is now the right move for him and for his family.

John and Lisa discuss reasons why service calls are more expensive. They take a Mars-and-Venus look at empathy in the workplace. And John weighs in on some government decisions regarding skilled trades, including the FAST program, coming to Ontario high schools this fall.

On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John is joined by Brandi Ferenc, a 313A - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic and founder of Fair Trades Toolbox.

As a woman journeyperson in a male dominated sector - HVAC - Brandi knows the barriers women still face on the job. Now, she works with companies to help improve things for women AND men in skilled trades. Brandi has been named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women for the past two years.

On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, Lisa Brandt gets John Finan's thoughts about pre-apprenticeships and the best way to get into a trade if you can't secure an apprenticeship. Also, the barriers to getting experience, and when it is and isn’t worth going to college for a trade.

John also weighs in on how far new federal money will go that's been earmarked to prop up skilled trades.

George Vassallo is the CEO of one of Canada's oldest construction firms - Bothwell-Accurate. He wondered if other countries had better ways of preparing a skilled workforce, so he went on a multi-country tour to find out.

He shares what he learned from his tour and from growing his business, with John Finan on this episode of The Trade Up Podcast.