Andrew Brown is a leading advocate for the skilled trades, dedicated to closing the workforce gap. With over 25 years of experience in the industrial and construction supply industry, he brings deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing tradespeople today.
Through social media, his podcast The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, and live events across North America, Andrew spotlights the benefits of trade careers to students, parents, and educators while amplifying the real stories of the men and women who work with their hands. His mission is simple: to inspire the next generation to pursue high-paying, honorable, and essential careers in the trades.
Andrew Brown's presentations deliver clear, concise insights, ensuring audiences receive straightforward and actionable information while prioritizing honesty and transparency to make complex topics understandable and relevant to all.
With a deep passion for the skilled trades, Andrew Brown's infectious enthusiasm inspires audiences to recognize the value and potential in these careers. His energy and dedication create a dynamic and engaging experience for all attendees.
Andrew Brown brings genuine authenticity to every presentation, sharing real stories and experiences that connect with audiences on a personal level. His commitment to being true to himself and his message ensures that listeners feel a sincere and relatable connection.
Andrew Brown believes in the power of collaboration, actively involving his audience in conversations and encouraging participation and idea-sharing. By fostering such an environment, he helps build a sense of community and collective effort toward common goals.
Experience Andrew Brown
The Voice for Tradespeople.
Top 4 Most Requested Speaking Topics
How I can Help
Closing the Skilled Trades Gap: Engaging the Next Generation
The skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, yet they face a growing workforce crisis. With hundreds of thousands of tradespeople retiring in the next decade, and too few young people entering the pipeline, the gap is widening. This talk highlights the urgency of the issue and shares proven strategies to attract, inspire, and retain Gen Z (ages 13–28). Through stories, data, and a practical 5-step framework, Andrew Brown shows how businesses, schools, and communities can rebuild respect for the trades and secure the next generation of talent.
What You'll Gain:
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A clear picture of the skilled trades shortage and its impact on our economy and communities.
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Insights into what motivates Gen Z — and why perception is often the real barrier.
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The 5-step playbook (Awaken, Explore, Choose, Prepare, Elevate) for building a sustainable pipeline.
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Real success stories from young tradespeople and programs that are working today.
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Practical actions you can take tomorrow: mentorship, storytelling, social media, and school outreach.
Ideal Audience:
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Business owners, shop managers, and industry leaders in the trades.
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Trade school and CTE instructors.
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Workforce development professionals.
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Industry associations, unions, and nonprofit organizations.
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Parents, educators, and career counselors guiding students toward career paths.
Here are the ways I partner with companies, schools, and associations to make that happen:
Podcast & Event Coverage
Through my podcast The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, I capture authentic stories that resonate with Gen Z. At your event, I can:
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Record live podcasts with your leaders, apprentices, or students
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Create short-form clips for TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube
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Deliver evergreen content you can use long after the event
What You'll Gain:
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A clear picture of the skilled trades shortage and its impact on our economy and communities.
-
Insights into what motivates Gen Z — and why perception is often the real barrier.
-
The 5-step playbook (Awaken, Explore, Choose, Prepare, Elevate) for building a sustainable pipeline.
-
Real success stories from young tradespeople and programs that are working today.
-
Practical actions you can take tomorrow: mentorship, storytelling, social media, and school outreach.
Ideal Audience:
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Educators and school administrators
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Career counselors
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Parents and students
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Community leaders and policymakers
What You'll Gain:
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Insight into the variety of skilled trades and their roles.
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The economic and societal impact of tradespeople.
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How to promote and advocate for skilled trades.
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Strategies for increasing trades awareness in education and communities.
Ideal Audience:
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Educators and school administrators
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Career counselors
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Parents and students
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Community leaders and policymakers
Speaking & Keynotes
I deliver high-energy talks that wake people up to the trades crisis and give them a clear playbook to attract and keep Gen Z.
What You'll Gain:
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The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades
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Trades Breakthrough: 5 Steps to Launch a Career Pathway
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Custom workshops for students, parents, educators, and industry leaders
Ideal Audience:
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Educators and school administrators
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Career counselors
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Parents and students
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Community leaders and policymakers
What You'll Gain:
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Insight into the variety of skilled trades and their roles.
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The economic and societal impact of tradespeople.
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How to promote and advocate for skilled trades.
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Strategies for increasing trades awareness in education and communities.
Ideal Audience:
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Educators and school administrators
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Career counselors
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Parents and students
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Community leaders and policymakers
Partnerships & Advisory
I work with foundations, associations, and companies to build real workforce pipelines. That includes:
What You'll Gain:
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Storytelling campaigns
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Curriculum and playbook consulting
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Strategic initiatives for mentorship, apprenticeship, and retention
Ideal Audience:
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Educators and school administrators
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Career counselors
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Parents and students
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Community leaders and policymakers
What You'll Gain:
-
Insight into the variety of skilled trades and their roles.
-
The economic and societal impact of tradespeople.
-
How to promote and advocate for skilled trades.
-
Strategies for increasing trades awareness in education and communities.
Ideal Audience:
-
Educators and school administrators
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Career counselors
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Parents and students
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Community leaders and policymakers
What's Included:
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Event recap videos
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Story-driven reels/shorts
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Social campaigns that highlight your impact
Ideal Audience:
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Educators and school administrators
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Career counselors
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Parents and students
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Community leaders and policymakers
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What They Are Saying
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