Do farmers truly own their John Deere equipment if independent technicians cannot access the software required to repair it? Willie Cade, director of the Theo Brown Society and a board member of Repair.org, joins Skilled Nation to explain the fight over John Deere right to repair. He breaks down the proposed $99 million settlement, the FTC’s role, state right-to-repair legislation, equipment ownership, diagnostic software, repair data, and the tools skilled technicians need to compete with authorized dealerships. Willie also discusses how modern tractors have evolved into rolling computers, why experienced diesel mechanics can still be locked out of repairs, and how greater access could create new career and business opportunities for heavy-equipment technicians. From mobile farm repair businesses to equipment that can cost more than $1 million, this conversation explores what right to repair means for farmers, independent repair shops, and the future of the skilled trades. Skilled Nation celebrates the people whose knowledge and hands-on ability keep America running. It’s a way of life and a badge of honor. #RightToRepair #JohnDeere #SkilledTrades #DieselMechanic #HeavyEquipment #FarmEquipment #IndependentRepair #AgriculturalTechnology #RepairTechnician #SkilledNation

Do farmers truly own their John Deere equipment if independent technicians cannot access the software required to repair it? Willie Cade, director of the Theo Brown Society and a board member of Repair.org, joins Skilled Nation to explain the fight over John Deere right to repair. He breaks down the proposed $99 million settlement, the FTC’s role, state right-to-repair legislation, equipment ownership, diagnostic software, repair data, and the tools skilled technicians need to compete with authorized dealerships. Willie also discusses how modern tractors have evolved into rolling computers, why experienced diesel mechanics can still be locked out of repairs, and how greater access could create new career and business opportunities for heavy-equipment technicians. From mobile farm repair businesses to equipment that can cost more than $1 million, this conversation explores what right to repair means for farmers, independent repair shops, and the future of the skilled trades. Skilled Nation celebrates the people whose knowledge and hands-on ability keep America running. It’s a way of life and a badge of honor. #RightToRepair #JohnDeere #SkilledTrades #DieselMechanic #HeavyEquipment #FarmEquipment #IndependentRepair #AgriculturalTechnology #RepairTechnician #SkilledNation

John Deere Right to Repair: Can Skilled Technicians Finally Compete?

Everyone talks about the skilled trades shortage, but are the jobs really worth it?In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy Rhoades sits down with Jacob Evanson, Business Manager of Boilermakers Local 627, for an honest conversation about the realities of working in the trades. They tackle the questions people are asking online:• Do skilled trades actually pay enough?• Is the work too hard on your body?• How important are unions in today's workforce?• What happens when projects end?• Are apprenticeships better than college?• Will AI replace skilled trade careers?• How are data centers, semiconductor plants, mining, nuclear energy, and America's manufacturing revival creating new opportunities?Jacob shares his own journey as a third-generation boilermaker and explains how apprenticeship programs, mentorship, healthcare benefits, pensions, continuing education, and union support systems help workers build long-term careers instead of simply finding jobs.The conversation also explores mental health in construction, workforce shortages, career advancement into project management and welding inspection, and why skilled workers remain essential to America's future.Whether you're a student, parent, career changer, veteran, or someone wondering if the trades are still a smart career path, this episode offers a candid look at what life in the skilled trades really looks like.In this episode:✔ Boilermaker careers explained✔ Union vs non-union jobs✔ Apprenticeship opportunities✔ Skilled trades pay and benefits✔ Mental health in construction✔ Career growth beyond the tools✔ Data centers and AI-driven infrastructure✔ Energy, mining, and manufacturing jobs✔ Workforce development in America✔ The future of skilled tradesLearn more about Boilermakers Local 627: https://www.627.org#SkilledNation #Boilermakers #SkilledTrades #UnionJobs #Apprenticeship #ConstructionCareers #Welding #Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #DataCenters #NuclearEnergy #BlueCollar #TradeSchool #CareerChange #Infrastructure #PrattPodcasting

Everyone talks about the skilled trades shortage, but are the jobs really worth it? In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy Rhoades sits down with Jacob Evanson, Business Manager of Boilermakers Local 627, for an honest conversation about the realities of working in the trades. They tackle the questions people are asking online: • Do skilled trades actually pay enough? • Is the work too hard on your body? • How important are unions in today's workforce? • What happens when projects end? • Are apprenticeships better than college? • Will AI replace skilled trade careers? • How are data centers, semiconductor plants, mining, nuclear energy, and America's manufacturing revival creating new opportunities? Jacob shares his own journey as a third-generation boilermaker and explains how apprenticeship programs, mentorship, healthcare benefits, pensions, continuing education, and union support systems help workers build long-term careers instead of simply finding jobs. The conversation also explores mental health in construction, workforce shortages, career advancement into project management and welding inspection, and why skilled workers remain essential to America's future. Whether you're a student, parent, career changer, veteran, or someone wondering if the trades are still a smart career path, this episode offers a candid look at what life in the skilled trades really looks like. In this episode: ✔ Boilermaker careers explained ✔ Union vs non-union jobs ✔ Apprenticeship opportunities ✔ Skilled trades pay and benefits ✔ Mental health in construction ✔ Career growth beyond the tools ✔ Data centers and AI-driven infrastructure ✔ Energy, mining, and manufacturing jobs ✔ Workforce development in America ✔ The future of skilled trades Learn more about Boilermakers Local 627: https://www.627.org #SkilledNation #Boilermakers #SkilledTrades #UnionJobs #Apprenticeship #ConstructionCareers #Welding #Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #DataCenters #NuclearEnergy #BlueCollar #TradeSchool #CareerChange #Infrastructure #PrattPodcasting

The Truth About Skilled Trades in 2026 | Boilermakers, Unions, Pay & Career Reality (Audio)

Overview of the skilled trades landscape today. Address misconception and stigma around trade careers including stats around demand & wages. Discussion with a trade worker to find out what’s in it for them.

Overview of the skilled trades landscape today. Address misconception and stigma around trade careers including stats around demand & wages. Discussion with a trade worker to find out what’s in it for them.

Overview of the skilled trades landscape today. Address misconception and stigma around trade careers including stats around demand &amp; wages. Discussion with a trade worker to find out what’s in it for them.

Rebuilding the American Dream: The New Face of Skilled Trades (Audio)

Skilled Nation takes you inside the world of high-demand trades—welding, electrical, HVAC, industrial maintenance, and more. Through real stories from graduates and pros, you’ll see how hands-on training can launch you into a high-paying, future-proof career—without the four-year degree and crushing debt. Way of Life, Badge of Honor—this is the real story of building a career, a craft, and a future you’re proud of.

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Skilled Nation takes you inside the world of high-demand trades—welding, electrical, HVAC, industrial maintenance, and more. Through real stories from graduates and pros, you’ll see how hands-on training can launch you into a high-paying, future-proof career—without the four-year degree and crushing debt. Way of Life, Badge of Honor—this is the real story of building a career, a craft, and a future you’re proud of.

Skilled Nation&nbsp;takes you inside the world of high-demand trades—welding, electrical, HVAC, industrial maintenance, and more. Through real stories from graduates and pros, you’ll see how hands-on training can launch you into a high-paying, future-proof career—without the four-year degree and crushing debt. Way of Life, Badge of Honor—this is the real story of building a career, a craft, and a future you’re proud of.

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