Manufacturing Archives

Each year, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), which takes place on the first Friday of October. Often, this celebration extends throughout the entire month, highlighting the significance of the manufacturing industry.

What is Manufacturing Day?

The inception of Manufacturing Day dates back to 2012 when the Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) joined hands with leaders from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP). The brainchild behind this initiative was Ed Youdell, the President & CEO of FMA. Beginning as a modest concept, they conducted a pilot effort in the Midwest on the first Friday of October in 2012. As the years went by, the success of this day prompted them to collaborate with the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM) in 2016, who took the helm of the initiative. Thanks to NAM’s extensive network through The Manufacturing Institute, the event flourished. In just seven years, it expanded from around 240 events primarily in the Midwest to encompass more than 325,000 students, teachers, and parents participating in over 3,000 events across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

How Can You Celebrate Manufacturing Day?

For Manufacturers:

Conduct Manufacturing Tours: Organize manufacturing tours within your facility. These tours can be in-person or virtual, making them accessible to individuals of all ages.
Educational Fair or Expo: Collaborate with other manufacturers in your area to host an educational fair or expo. Create informative displays, offer hands-on activities or demonstrations, and promote the event with giveaways.
Engage with Local Schools: Reach out to local schools, whether they are elementary, middle, high school, or technical colleges. Deliver presentations on the advantages of a career in manufacturing, highlighting earning opportunities, advancement prospects, and more. Foster enthusiasm among students.
Employee Appreciation: Celebrate your dedicated workforce. Show your gratitude by providing donuts, a pizza lunch, or a cookout for your employees. Express your thanks through cards, gift cards, or small tokens that convey your appreciation.
Social Media Acknowledgment: Share your appreciation on social media. Celebrate the manufacturing industry and your workforce with a heartfelt message of gratitude for their daily contributions that drive American manufacturing forward.

For Individuals:

Attend Manufacturing Tours: Attend manufacturing tours in your local area, whether in-person or virtual. These tours provide a valuable glimpse into the world of manufacturing.
Job Exploration: Approach your employer and inquire about participating in Manufacturing Day activities. Explore different areas of your workplace and spend the day learning about roles you may not have encountered before.
Educational Videos: Watch informative “How It Works” videos related to manufacturing processes. Share your favorite videos with friends and colleagues to spread awareness.
Engage the Next Generation: If you have children in your life, engage in meaningful conversations about manufacturing while enjoying ice cream. Show them videos and emphasize that it offers a viable career path with substantial earning potential and room for growth.
Educational Games: Introduce youngsters to educational games like the Manufacturing Institute’s Smart MFG 2 App, where kids can design and manufacture a drone. Additionally, consider playing board games like “The Manufacturing Game.” You can also explore a variety of factory simulation games.

There are numerous ways to celebrate Manufacturing Day, and the ones mentioned here are just a few examples. As you celebrate the manufacturing industry, its dedicated professionals, and those working tirelessly to drive it forward, remember that you can promote and celebrate it not only on one designated day but throughout the entire year!

As a Technical Manager at FlexTrades, I don’t work on the production or manufacturing floor, but I do work very closely with those who do. I love learning about the various production and manufacturing processes that directly affect my life as a consumer and user. With that said, there are two types of production and manufacturing: Discrete Manufacturing & Process Manufacturing. I’m here to tell you all about them!

Discrete Manufacturing

Discrete Manufacturing is the process of adding individual parts and components into one system or structure to create a final product. The parts and components can be individual in nature or a sub-assembly of the final product.

For example: Consider the manufacturing of a vehicle. Each section of a vehicle is individual in nature and created via machining, assembly, or welding operations (tire, engine, side panel, bumper, seats, steering wheel, wiring). These sections may come as one unit (side panel) or as an assembly (engine). These components or assemblies are then put together in a sequential manner to build the final product (vehicle). Additionally, we can easily disassemble the final product to determine and identify the individual components or assemblies used to create it.

Common job titles include: Warehouse Operators, Machine Operators, Machinists, Assemblers, Welders, Quality Inspectors.

Process Manufacturing

Process Manufacturing is manufacturing that occurs in bulk quantities, such as pharmaceuticals, paints, foods, and beverages. In this process, there is a chemical conversion occurring among ingredients rather than materials. This process is based on formulas and recipes. Unlike discrete manufacturing, it is difficult to identify the individual parts that make up the final product. Additionally, the ingredients that make up the product are difficult to disassemble and reuse.

For example: Consider the manufacturing of shampoo. There are a multitude of ingredients in shampoo including water, detergents, surfactants, polymers, silicones, a wide variety of preservatives, fragrances, dyes, and many other additives or preservatives. The average shampoo has 10-30 ingredients. This multitude of ingredients are poured into batch tanks, mixed and blended, heated and cooled in a formulaic and sequential manner, and then packaged. Unlike the vehicle in the example above, once the shampoo is blended, it’s difficult to separate the ingredients to determine the individual ingredients utilized to make it.

Common job titles include: Line Operators, Machine Operators, Warehouse Operators, Batch Makers, Process Technicians, Compounders, Mixers, Packers, Quality Control Inspectors.

As I said, I don’t work directly on a manufacturing floor, but manufacturing is great nonetheless. If you’re thinking about working in manufacturing, check out this video about Manufacturing Positions and Careers!

Grab your coffee, put on your hard hat (or maybe just your reading glasses), and let’s dive into a day that’s all about celebrating the people who quite literally build our world. Yes, we’re talking about National Tradesmen Day, which falls on Friday, September 20th this year. At FlexTrades, this day is extra special because skilled tradespeople aren’t just a part of our business… they are our business. Without them, the gears of industry would grind to a halt, and we’d all be in a world of hurt.

The Heartbeat of American Industry

Let’s get real for a second. When you flip on a light switch, drive across a bridge, or even sit down on a chair, do you ever stop to think about the folks who made that possible? Those are the skilled tradespeople — electricians, welders, machinists, carpenters — who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. They’re the ones who show up, rain or shine, to do the jobs that most of us wouldn’t even know where to start.

At FlexTrades, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best in the business. These men and women are more than just workers; they’re artisans, engineers, problem-solvers, and innovators. And on National Tradesmen Day, we’re throwing every ounce of “proverbial confetti” we have in their honor.

The Coolest Facts About Skilled Trades (That You Didn’t Know)

Fun Fact #1: By 2028, skilled trades jobs are expected to grow by 10%. That means there’s never been a better time to be in the trades!
Fun Fact #2: The Hoover Dam, a modern marvel, was built by over 21,000 tradespeople who braved blistering desert heat to make it happen.
Fun Fact #3: Think you need a degree to be successful? Many skilled tradespeople earn six-figure salaries without enduring a single day of college debt. Now, that’s smart!

How FlexTrades Is More Than Just a Job Connection

Here at FlexTrades, we like to think of ourselves as matchmakers; not in the romantic sense, but in the “connecting awesome people with awesome opportunities” sense. We know that behind every job title is a person with dreams, goals, and a unique set of skills. That’s why we don’t just fill positions, we help skilled tradespeople find the right fit, the place where they can grow, thrive, and maybe even find a true work family.

Our team is passionate about making sure these unsung heroes get the recognition, and the opportunities, they deserve. Because let’s face it, without skilled tradespeople, our entire world would come to a standstill.

Let’s Make Some Noise for the Tradespeople!

So, how can you celebrate National Tradesmen Day? It’s simple. Give a shout-out to the tradespeople in your life. Maybe it’s your neighbor who’s an electrician, the carpenter who helped you build your dream kitchen, or the HVAC technician who keeps your home cool in the summer. These folks are the real MVPs, and they deserve all the praise we can give.

Green energy, clean energy, renewable energy! Although they seem like the newest trend, these ideas have been around for quite some time. In fact, the first congressional act passed in the United States aimed at these pursuits was the Clean Air Act in 1970. Since then, we’ve seen the following “green” laws passed as well (among many others):

Energy Policy & Conservation Act – 1975
Alternative Motor Fuels Act – 1988
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) – 1992
Energy Independence and Security Act – 2007
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act – 2009 (included investments in energy independence and renewable energy technologies – among other things).

Most recently, the United States passed the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. This act is intended to fight inflation, promote growth in the economy, and bring back manufacturing to the U.S. while also putting investments into clean energy. Investments include tax incentives for Americans who purchase electric vehicles (EVs) and energize their homes with energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, HVAC systems, insulation, windows, and even wind turbines. And that’s just at the consumer level. At the commercial and industrial levels, this act also provides funding for domestic programs including renewable energy (again, like wind turbines).

So, let’s talk a little bit about wind turbines and wind power. It can be a polarizing topic, but like them or not, they are the leading renewable energy source in the United States.

Wind has been generating power for a long time. Just consider the historical images you’ve seen of sailing ships or even the Dutch windmills in Holland, which were built with the intention of pumping water to drain the land. But those are windmills, and what we have today are wind turbines. Turbines have quite the history themselves, starting with a Scottish electrical engineer named James Blyth.

James Blyth is recognized as the first person to harness wind for electricity when he designed and built a wind turbine to power his home in July 1887. Although he’s recognized with this achievement, a lot of credit is also given to Poul la Cour, a Danish scientist. He used a wind turbine to provide lighting for his entire village of Askov. He also started the Society of Wind Electricians in 1903. He even discovered that wind turbines with fewer blades spinning at faster speeds are more efficient than turbines with more blades spinning slower.

A lot has happened, in terms of development, between then and now, around the science of windmills and wind turbines (find out here), but let’s spend a minute focusing on just turbines.

There are two types of wind turbines: Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Those that you see most often are the horizontal-axis turbines, which stand tall and proud (often in the middle of nowhere) with blades that look like airplane propellers. In fact, wind turbines use aeronautical science similar to that of aircraft rotors and wings. Wind flows over the blades creating lift and causing the blades to spin, which then drives a shaft to turn an electric generator. That generator, well, generates electricity.

But just how much electricity do they produce? To keep it simple, the average turbine in 2020 produced enough electricity (in just 46 minutes) to power the average home for one full month, according to the US Geological Survey. To measure the power produced by turbines, we use megawatts (MW), megawatt-hours (mWh), kilowatts (KW), and kilowatt-hours (kWh) which can be quite confusing. Essentially, MW and KW measure power while mWh and kWh measure energy and electricity.

An average onshore turbine (yes, offshore turbines are a thing) has the capacity to produce 2-3 megawatts (MW), which in turn can generate 6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

Here in the United States, with the focus on wind power over the years, we’ve managed to go from 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours of wind power in 1990 to 434 billion kilowatt-hours in 2022. That’s a 15,400% increase in just 32 years. These 434 billion kilowatt-hours in 2022 provided 10% of the total energy used in the United States (with 25% of that coming from Texas alone). The current goal is to use wind to produce 20% of total energy in the United States by 2030 and 35% by 2050.

These goals not only support our green energy and renewable energy initiatives but also support our efforts to increase domestic, onshore manufacturing.

In fact, according to cleanpower.org, the wind power industry does a lot for American manufacturing.

There are over 72,000 wind turbines in the country.
Wind power is the 4th largest source of electricity generation in the country (which is enough to power 46 million American homes).
Wind power is the largest source of renewable energy, providing 10% of the country’s electricity.
There are over 450 manufacturing facilities in the United States building wind-related parts and materials.
Of these facilities, the top three facilities producing the turbines themselves are GE Vernova, Vestas, and Siemens Gamesa.
The wind power industry employs 120,000+ Americans across 50 states with 20,000 of those jobs in wind manufacturing facilities!
And this industry employs American veterans at a rate higher than the national average!

As a promoter of American manufacturing and the skilled people who make it happen, we can’t deny that this initiative is good for domestic manufacturing. If you work in manufacturing, you likely feel similarly, so as a fellow manufacturing supporter, we would love to work with you!

If you’re looking for skilled technicians to help you in your own manufacturing facility (regardless of industry), contact us now! Or, if you’re looking to join our team of highly skilled traveling technicians and engineers (we welcome veterans too!), please contact a recruiter.

As a content creator for FlexTrades, it’s my pleasure to present a blend of humor, snark, and frustration with the top 10 worst American inventions of the past decade. These gadgets and ideas make us wonder, “What were they thinking?” Let’s dive in.

1. The Juicero (2016)

Inventor: Doug Evans

Why It’s Bad: Imagine paying $400 for a juicer that requires Wi-Fi to function, only to find out you could achieve the same result by squeezing the juice packs with your bare hands. It’s the ultimate symbol of Silicon Valley’s knack for solving problems that don’t exist. Spoiler alert: it didn’t last long, but the memes will live forever.

2. Google Glass (2013)

Inventor: Google X (now X Development LLC)

Why It’s Bad: Ah, Google Glass—the gadget that made you look like a cyborg and alienated you from polite society. This wearable tech was supposed to make us all feel futuristic but ended up being an expensive way to invade privacy and get weird looks. If you wanted to be labeled a “Glasshole,” this was your golden ticket.

3. Hoverboards (2015)

Inventor: Shane Chen (original design)

Why It’s Bad: Hoverboards were the must-have gadget that promised to make us all look cool while zipping around town. Instead, they made headlines for spontaneously combusting and sending users flying. Banned from airlines and sidewalks alike, these rolling fire hazards turned a hot trend into a literal hot mess.

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (2016)

Inventor: Samsung

Why It’s Bad: Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 was the explosive device you didn’t want in your pocket. With batteries prone to catching fire, it was more likely to land you on a no-fly list than help you multitask. The recalls and bans turned this “must-have” gadget into an infamous pyrotechnic display.

5. Amazon Fire Phone (2014)

Inventor: Amazon

Why It’s Bad: Amazon’s Fire Phone had all the gimmicks and none of the substance. It boasted 3D visuals and a dedicated button for Amazon shopping, but lacked essential apps and usability. It’s a classic case of trying too hard to be different and ending up on the clearance rack.

6. Theranos (2003-2018)

Inventor: Elizabeth Holmes

Why It’s Bad: Theranos promised to revolutionize healthcare with just a drop of blood. Instead, it delivered one of the biggest frauds in Silicon Valley history. Faulty tech and deceit put patients at risk and turned its founder into a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.

7. Oombrella (2016)

Inventor: Wezzoo

Why It’s Bad: The Oombrella was marketed as a “smart” umbrella that could notify you of weather conditions. Apparently, checking your phone was too much effort. It was an overpriced, over-engineered gadget that solved a non-existent problem. Thanks, but I’ll stick to my regular old dumb umbrella.

8. Quibi (2020)

Inventor: Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman

Why It’s Bad: Quibi aimed to change the way we consumed media with short, mobile-focused videos. Despite a high-profile launch, the lack of compelling content and the audacity to charge for something we get for free on YouTube led to its rapid demise. It was a billion-dollar idea that flopped faster than its 10-minute episodes.

9. Kohler Numi Toilet (2018)

Inventor: Kohler

Why It’s Bad: The Numi is a toilet that costs over $6,000 and comes with features like a heated seat, foot warmer, and built-in speakers. While it might be the throne of your dreams, most people found it ridiculously overpriced for a place to do their business. It’s a royal flush of money down the drain.

10. Jibo Robot (2017)

Inventor: Cynthia Breazeal

Why It’s Bad: Jibo was designed to be your friendly home robot. Despite its charming personality, it couldn’t do much beyond turning its head and making small talk. For its hefty price tag, you’d expect a lot more functionality. Instead, it quickly became a fancy paperweight with a cute face.

That’s a Wrap

And there you have it—the crème de la crème of American ingenuity gone awry. These inventions remind us that not every idea is a winner, and sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to the most spectacular failures. Here’s to hoping the next decade of innovation brings us fewer flops and more triumphs. Remember, folks, if at first you don’t succeed, maybe check if your invention really needs Wi-Fi. Until then, we’ll be here, ready to laugh at the next big flop.

The National Safety Council has coined June as National Safety Month. During this time each year, the NSC brings additional spotlight to vital safety issues and their implications within workplaces and on roadways.

FlexTrades fully supports this effort and works to promote, teach, and maintain safety, year-round.

Safety-First Training at FlexTrades

To ensure each technician is always putting safety first, everyone goes through pre-deployment safety training, field safety alerts, and ongoing safety training programs on every project.

On top of training, we are constantly innovating how to call out important safety updates internally to keep safety at the forefront of everything we do. This is why we are such big supporters of the National Safety Council dedicating an entire month to focusing on safety.

One such way we do this is by continually creating relevant content for our technicians and others to see via internal communications and across all our online and social media platforms. We also work to promote additional resources and calendar dates surrounding safety through newsletters and internal groups.

Client Benefits

There are many reasons why deploying FlexTrades traveling skilled trades professionals is beneficial to safety and general business practice for any manufacturer:

Risk Reduction: In 2023, FlexTrades was recognized with a ‘Risk Control Award of Merit’. The grading/determining factors were critical statistics on loss frequency and severity, and an evaluation of the proactive measures taken to reduce risks.
Safety Culture: Technicians, always well-vetted for commitment to safety, from FlexTrades work to create an environment of those who live and breathe safety. Adding our technicians to your team can visually and physically shift the culture around safety in any manufacturing facility.
Reduced Operating Costs: The training we implement before a technician deploys, as well as during their project, is the best way to prevent costly safety issues. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Increased Productivity: Employees become more productive when they feel as though their daily operations do not put them at risk. Also, rates of absenteeism decrease rapidly when technicians know that their activities follow best safety practices and guidelines.

Stay Safe

We at FlexTrades understand the importance of vigorous safety training. The National Safety Council does too. That’s why we’re such huge fans of the extra light they shine on safety every June! Visit the resources page of their website if you’d like to learn more about how to improve the focus on safety in your facility or home. And remember, you should put safety first every day not just in the month of June.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the career preferences of young Americans, with many opting for skilled trades over traditional college paths. This trend is particularly significant in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in various industries. FlexTrades recognizes and celebrates this shift, highlighting the opportunities and benefits that skilled trades offer to the younger generation.

Changing Perceptions and Rising Opportunities

The skilled trades, once perceived as low-end and dirty work, are now experiencing a renaissance. This resurgence is fueled by several factors, including rising pay scales, advancements in technology within trade fields like welding and machine tooling, and a growing skepticism about the return on investment in traditional college education.

Enrollment Surge in Vocational Training

As more young individuals explore alternatives to traditional education paths, enrollment in vocational training programs is on the rise. This surge in enrollment is evident in fields such as construction trades, HVAC, and vehicle maintenance and repair. These programs offer a blend of hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing individuals for successful careers in their chosen trades.

Empowering Career Choices

FlexTrades recognizes that the skilled trades provide a smart and viable career path for individuals who prefer practical, hands-on work over traditional office-based roles. This shift is exemplified by individuals like Tanner Burgess, who found fulfillment and success in welding after exploring alternative career options.

Building Strong Foundations for the Future

The demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise, driven by retirements in older generations and the need for expertise in various industries. This demand translates into secure job tracks, steadily growing earnings, and a sense of accomplishment for individuals working in skilled trades.

Embracing the Future of Work

FlexTrades acknowledges the changing landscape of work, where blue-collar jobs are gaining recognition for their job security and growth potential, especially in light of advancements in generative AI. This shift in perspective is reshaping career choices for the younger generation, offering a diverse range of opportunities beyond traditional white-collar professions.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

As the skilled trades continue to evolve and gain prominence, FlexTrades remains committed to supporting and empowering individuals pursuing careers in these fields. Through training initiatives, technological advancements, and a collaborative approach, FlexTrades aims to foster a skilled workforce that drives innovation and success across industries.

A Positive Shift

The rise of skilled trades in America signals a positive shift in career preferences and opportunities. FlexTrades celebrates this trend, recognizing the value and contributions of skilled workers in shaping the future of work. Embracing the diversity of career paths, including skilled trades, is key to creating a dynamic and resilient workforce for tomorrow.

Reducing the carbon footprint within U.S. manufacturing companies means more than just decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions they produce. It’s a comprehensive approach that involves rethinking energy sources, production processes and even the end-of-life stage of product cycles. For these companies, the shift towards sustainability is not only about environmental responsibility but also about economic survival in a rapidly evolving global market.

Manufacturing, historically known for its high energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels, is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the industrial sector accounted for 23% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, making it one of the top sources of carbon emissions in the country. This places a clear imperative on manufacturing firms to adopt more sustainable practices.

For U.S. manufacturing companies, reducing their carbon footprint typically involves several strategic shifts. Firstly, there’s a transition towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that renewable energy usage in manufacturing has seen an uptick, yet the challenge remains to scale this up to meet more substantial parts of their energy needs.

Secondly, energy efficiency plays a crucial role. Advanced technologies and improved processes can significantly reduce energy consumption in manufacturing facilities. For instance, energy-efficient lighting, motors and heating systems can lower energy use and thus carbon emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy has highlighted energy efficiency as a key area for reducing industrial energy use and emissions.

Material choices also play a critical role. By opting for more sustainable materials and improving supply chain logistics, companies can further decrease their carbon footprints. Moreover, adopting principles of the circular economy, where the focus is on reuse, recycling and extending the life of products, can transform waste into a resource, thus minimizing the overall environmental impact.

However, transitioning to low-carbon operations isn’t just a matter of corporate responsibility. It’s also increasingly a financial strategy. Market trends show that consumers and investors are leaning towards companies with strong sustainability credentials. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey, companies that proactively manage their environmental impact tend to perform better financially, indicating that reducing carbon footprints can align with profitability.

Yet, challenges remain. High initial costs for adopting new technologies, disruptions in production processes and regulatory uncertainties can be significant hurdles. Despite these obstacles, the long-term benefits of adopting sustainable practices, ranging from cost savings through energy efficiency to enhanced brand reputation and access to new markets, are compelling incentives for manufacturers.

For U.S. manufacturing companies, reducing their carbon footprint is not merely about compliance or environmental altruism. It represents a fundamental shift towards sustainable operational models that are economically sound and aligned with global environmental needs. As the world intensifies its focus on combating climate change, manufacturers who embrace these changes can not only expect to see a reduction in their environmental impact but also enjoy a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Once a duopoly of Cold War rivals, the space race has transcended government confines, embracing the dynamism of private enterprise. Spearheading this cosmic renaissance, SpaceX has not only challenged traditional paradigms but redefined what’s possible beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

The Emergence of Private Industry in the Space Race:

The narrative of space exploration has undergone a seismic shift from a government-sponsored competition to an arena where private entities like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic take center stage. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk with the vision of making life multi-planetary, has eclipsed conventional benchmarks, setting new milestones with its Falcon rockets and the Dragon spacecraft.

The Role of Skilled Technicians in Aerospace Innovations:

Behind the scenes of these technological marvels are the unsung heroes: highly skilled technicians. In this era of innovation, companies such as FlexTrades play a crucial role by deploying experienced machinists and engineers who bring the visionary projects of companies like Blue Origin to fruition. The partnership between aerospace leaders and talent providers ensures that even the most ambitious missions find their footing in reality.

SpaceX’s Impact on the Space Race and Beyond:

SpaceX’s contributions to the space race are both profound and far-reaching. From achieving the first privately funded spacecraft to reach orbit to pioneering the first astronaut mission by a private company, SpaceX has blazed a trail for the industry. Moreover, its ambition for Mars colonization underscores a future where space exploration becomes a part of humanity’s collective destiny. A recent success story highlighted by Mashable showcases the third successful launch of the Starship, illustrating the tangible strides being made toward interplanetary travel.

The Future of Space Exploration with Private Industry Participation:

The horizon for space exploration is boundless. With private industry’s agility, innovation, and resources, the next chapters promise lunar bases, Mars colonies, and so much more. Perhaps, one day, even voyages to the outer solar system will occur. The symbiosis between pioneering companies like SpaceX and the specialized talent from partners such as FlexTrades will be instrumental in navigating these uncharted territories.

To Infinity… And Beyond

The space race, once defined by geopolitical rivalry, now thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for humanity’s future in the cosmos. SpaceX, with its groundbreaking achievements and bold aspirations, alongside the vital support from skilled technicians and engineers, stands at the forefront of this new era. As we look to the stars, the partnership between aerospace pioneers and the dedicated talents that propel them forward illuminates the path to the next frontier.

Dear High School Students and Those Considering Your Next Steps,

You’re at a crossroads, facing one of the most significant decisions of your life: What comes after high school? While college is often presented as the primary path, it’s not the only route to a successful and fulfilling career. The world of manufacturing and skilled trades offers a wealth of opportunities that align with the practical, financial and personal aspirations of many young adults.

Quick Entry to the Workforce & Financial Benefits

Entering a trade can provide a faster transition to starting your career, often requiring less time than the four-year commitment to college. Trade programs typically last from a few months to two years, allowing you to gain the necessary skills and start earning sooner. The financial aspect is also compelling. Trade school can significantly reduce educational expenses compared to university tuition, lessening the burden of student debt. For example, the average cost of trade school tuition in the United States is around $5,000 per year, compared to the tens of thousands spent annually on a four-year degree.

Breaking Barriers & Building Futures

Trade school isn’t just for men; it’s a viable and rewarding path for young women who are eager to build a successful career. Women in trades can thrive in environments that value skill, determination and creativity. Pursuing a skilled trade career offers stability, competitive salaries and the satisfaction of hands-on work. The diversity in trades means there are numerous opportunities to find a niche that aligns with personal interests and strengths, from construction and automotive to technology and renewable energy sectors. Women entering the trades are breaking stereotypes, contributing to a more diverse workforce and proving that these careers are not defined by gender but by expertise and passion.

Growing Demand & Job Security

The demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise, with sectors like manufacturing, construction and green energy experiencing particularly high growth. For instance, solar panel installer positions are projected to grow by 52% through 2030. This demand creates a robust job market and offers job security that is often unmatched in other fields.

Hands-On Learning & Real-World Application

Many of you thrive with hands-on learning and practical application, traits that align perfectly with careers in the trades. Apprenticeship programs offer the opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining real-world experience under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. This approach not only provides a solid foundation of skills but also allows you to apply what you learn immediately, making education both relevant and engaging.

Opportunities for Advancement & Innovation

The trades are not a dead-end path; they offer substantial opportunities for career growth and advancement. With experience and additional certifications, you can progress to supervisory roles, manage projects or even start your own business. The field also encourages innovation, with technology integration offering new ways to work and solve problems, ensuring the trades remain both dynamic and evolving.

Essential to the Economy & Society

Skilled tradespeople play a crucial role in maintaining and advancing our infrastructure and quality of life. From building homes to maintaining energy systems, these careers are essential to society’s functioning and offer a sense of purpose and contribution that is deeply fulfilling.

Pursuing a career in manufacturing and skilled trades is not just a backup plan — it’s a viable, rewarding and often overlooked path to success. It’s about matching your interests and strengths with opportunities that offer not only financial rewards but also job satisfaction and the chance to make a tangible impact on the world.

Embrace the possibilities that lie in the skilled trades, and consider how this path might be the right fit for you.

If you have questions about the skilled trades, feel free to contact the FlexTrades team at any time. We’d be more than happy to offer our support and guidance.