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.
Most Requested Speaking Topics
Speaking Topics
The following speaking topics can be customized to fit your event or can request Andrew Brown to speak on other topics.
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.
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:
-
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
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Full Name, Event Topic
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Full Name, Event Topic
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What They Are Saying
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Bridging the Generational Divide in Construction
The construction industry is facing one of the biggest transitions in its history. Nearly 40% of today’s workforce will retire in the next decade, while Gen Z is entering the trades with new values, tools, and expectations. That shift is creating friction on jobsites but also an opportunity.
Through stories and lessons gathered from hundreds of conversations with tradespeople, he shares how to connect veteran experience with next-gen energy to build stronger, more collaborative teams.
What You'll Gain:
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The key motivators, communication styles, and work values of each generation in today’s construction workforce.
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Why “work ethic” and “work-life balance” are often misunderstood and how to bridge those perspectives.
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Proven strategies for knowledge transfer through mentorship, storytelling, and shared goals.
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How to build mutual respect and teamwork between veterans and younger workers
Ideal Audience:
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Leaders
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Supervisors
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Educators
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HR Professionals, Talent Acquisition
Bridging the Generational Divide in Construction
The construction industry is facing one of the biggest transitions in its history. Nearly 40% of today’s workforce will retire in the next decade, while Gen Z is entering the trades with new values, tools, and expectations. That shift is creating friction on jobsites but also an opportunity.
Through stories and lessons gathered from hundreds of conversations with tradespeople, he shares how to connect veteran experience with next-gen energy to build stronger, more collaborative teams.
What You'll Gain:
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The key motivators, communication styles, and work values of each generation in today’s construction workforce.
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Why “work ethic” and “work-life balance” are often misunderstood and how to bridge those perspectives.
-
Proven strategies for knowledge transfer through mentorship, storytelling, and shared goals.
-
How to build mutual respect and teamwork between veterans and younger workers
Ideal Audience:
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Leaders
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Supervisors
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Educators
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HR Professionals, Talent Acquisition
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
The Benefits of a Career in the Trades
A career in the trades offers numerous advantages, from financial stability to job satisfaction. This talk highlights the benefits of choosing a trade career and dispels common misconceptions about blue-collar work.
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
What You'll Gain:
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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:
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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
Addressing the Trades Shortage
The shortage of skilled tradespeople is a critical issue affecting many industries. This presentation delves into the causes of this shortage and offers actionable solutions to bridge the gap. Attendees will learn how to attract, train, and retain talent in the trades.
What You'll Gain:
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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
-
Career counselors
-
Parents and students
-
Community leaders and policymakers
