On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan talks with Jada Finch, a 21-year-old professional tiler who started at just 15 and now runs her own company. 

Jada shares how she balanced full-time work during COVID schooling, converted a bus into a camper, and approaches tiling as an art form. 

She discusses the freedom her career choice has given her compared to university-bound peers and navigating family expectations in the trades.

Find and discover her company Pink Collar Contracting & Tile!

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John explains what he's learning about Artificial Intelligence and how it applies to skilled trades and to business owners like himself.

Plus, John shares his forward-thinking insights on the future of Canadian universities, highlighting pivotal changes in higher education that could make skilled trades an even more attractive career path. 

Tune in for an engaging conversation with your hosts Lisa Brandt & John Finan!

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

Welcome to Season 2 of The Trade Up Podcast! On this episode, Lisa and John tackle the age-old question: Are younger workers really lazy? You might think you know the answer, but the surprising reason behind this stereotype will have you rethinking generational divides. They also discuss the growing trend of younger students entering trades programs and how companies like John's are recruiting skilled workers in innovative ways.

From understanding what "NEET" means for young people to uncovering the best platforms for finding trades jobs, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the world of work. 

Tune in for an engaging start to the season!

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode of Trade Up, Lisa Brandt and John Finan discuss what today’s young people entering the trades are looking for—work-life balance, caring leadership, and clear career advancement opportunities. John also dives into Helmets to Hardhats, a program supporting military veterans transitioning into trades careers, and shares his perspective on how the industry can adapt to meet these changing priorities. With historical insights and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of the trades.

If you’d like to share your story or be a guest on the podcast, email John at [email protected].

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode of The Trade Up Podcast, John Finan sits down with Bella Cantin, a network cabling apprentice who shares her inspiring journey into the skilled trades. Bella discusses finding her niche after exploring carpentry, her love for hands-on work, and the invaluable lessons learned from her father, a multi-trade professional.

From navigating live train tracks to working across Ontario and transitioning between unions, Bella's story is packed with insights for anyone curious about careers in the trades. She also reflects on why skipping university was the right choice for her and how she’s building a stable, fulfilling career with endless opportunities to grow.

Whether you're considering a career change, starting out in the trades, or simply curious about what it’s like to work in network cabling, this episode is a must-listen!

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode, John Finan offers his take on something Mike Holmes recently said. Mike believes that taking trade classes out of schools was "the worst decision in education." We'll find out whether John agrees. 

Polling shows more and more young adults want to take up a skilled trade instead of taking a corporate job. And why private equity firms are gobbling up companies that specialize in things like plumbing and electrical work. 

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode, John sits down with comedian and electrician Jim McNally. Known for lighting up rooms both with laughs and literal lights, Jim shares the journey from following in his father’s footsteps as an electrician to building a career in comedy. 

Expect humour, stories from the stage (and the job site), and a peek behind the curtain at Jim’s unique double life.

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

On this episode of the Trade Up Podcast, John & Lisa discuss several pressing issues in the world of skilled trades and education, including a recent article from Maclean's Magazine that explores salaries in the trades and why people change their minds about pursuing these careers. 

They also cover the key personality traits that make young people successful employees. Additionally, John addresses the current challenges in higher education, including recent cuts to international student admissions and the potential impact on the quality of university education. 

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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.

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/

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/.

For more information about the Trade Up: Why buy a job when you can start a career? book, please visit: https://tradeupbook.ca/