In the debut episode of the Join The Trades Interview Series, Crew Wyard sits down with Nicole Bass, the founder of jointhetrades.com. Nicole’s journey into the trades and her mission to make skilled careers more accessible provides an inspiring perspective for anyone thinking about their professional future. The conversation explores not only the motivation behind the platform but also the misconceptions surrounding trade careers and the opportunities trades provide for financial freedom, stability, and personal growth.
The Origin Story
In this debut episode of the Join The Trades Interview Series, Crew Wyard sits down with Nicole Bass, the founder of jointhetrades.com. Nicole shares her journey, the motivation behind the platform, and how it helps connect job seekers with employers in the trades. The conversation focuses on common misconceptions about trade careers and why they can offer meaningful, high-paying opportunities.
The Story Behind Join The Trades
Nicole spent more than ten years in the commercial HVAC industry, working hands-on with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. During her career, she noticed a problem: contractors were looking for skilled workers, but traditional job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn were not serving the trades effectively. Employers struggled to find qualified candidates, and job seekers often felt lost or unsure how to start a career.
Seeing this gap inspired Nicole to create Join The Trades. She wanted to make starting a trade career simple and accessible.
“It shouldn’t be that hard,” she says. Her goal was to remove barriers and make trade careers as approachable as college or office jobs. The platform provides a clear path for anyone interested in learning a trade.
Why Trade Careers Are a Smart Choice
One of the biggest advantages of trade careers is financial freedom. Unlike college, which can leave students with large amounts of debt, many trades offer “pay-to-learn” opportunities. Employers often cover the cost of training or apprenticeships while paying workers at the same time. With dedication, it is possible to earn a six-figure, debt-free income.
Nicole also challenges the idea that trades are only plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry. In reality, a trade can be any skill that combines hands-on work with technical knowledge.
This includes aviation pilots, culinary chefs, software coders, and many other roles. Trades are diverse, essential, and intellectually challenging. Broadening the definition helps people see the value and opportunity in these careers.
Trades and College
Nicole makes it clear that she is not against college. Higher education is a good path for many people, but trades should also be recognized as a top career option, alongside college and military service. High schools are even hosting “signing days” for trade apprenticeships, similar to college athletic signings.
Another benefit of trades is job security. Many trade careers are recession-proof and resistant to automation. Nicole notes that her HVAC clients grew even during the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Essential services like heating, plumbing, and electrical work cannot be replaced by machines or software, providing stability and long-term career security.
How Join The Trades Helps
The platform makes job searching easier and more targeted. Users can take a career assessment to find which trade fits their personality, evaluating factors such as comfort with heights or math skills. Employers can be filtered by benefits, training programs, and even willingness to hire candidates with a criminal record. This gives job seekers clarity and choice that is often missing on generic job boards.
The site also shows realistic pay scales by years of experience, helping newcomers understand potential earnings. User privacy is a priority, and Nicole emphasizes that personal information is never sold. Every user can feel confident applying online and exploring options safely.
Advocating for the Trades
Nicole has also used creative campaigns on TikTok to get the attention of Mike Rowe, the host of Dirty Jobs, hoping to bring more awareness to trade careers. The platform is funded by a small monthly fee for employers and merchandise sales. All proceeds go back into promoting the trades to the next generation. This shows that the initiative is focused on impact rather than profit.
More Than Just a Paycheck
Trade careers provide more than income—they offer pride and fulfillment. Skilled workers can see the tangible results of their work, whether fixing a heating system, building a structure, or programming machinery. Many trades also provide flexibility and mobility, allowing workers to explore different locations or industries until they find the right fit.
Encouragement for Aspiring Professionals
Nicole’s story shows that success does not always require a four-year degree. Whether you are a student deciding on your first career or someone switching industries, the trades offer high-paying, secure, and meaningful work. Your potential is not defined by a diploma but by your willingness to learn and grow.
Finding the right place and the right people is key to success. Surround yourself with mentors, supportive colleagues, and a team that shares your values. Being in the right environment ensures access to opportunities, while the right people help you grow and thrive. Together, they create the perfect setting for personal and professional growth.
The Value of Hands-On Learning
One of the biggest advantages of a trade career is the focus on hands-on learning. Unlike traditional classroom education, trades allow you to earn while you learn, gaining practical experience that directly translates to real-world skills. This approach builds confidence and competence faster than sitting in a lecture hall. For many, this combination of practical and technical knowledge makes trades an ideal path to financial independence and career growth.
Building Skills That Last
Trades teach skills that cannot be replaced by machines or software. Whether you are working in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or even culinary arts, your expertise will always be in demand. This skill-based approach creates job security and allows for career flexibility. By mastering a craft, workers gain independence and a sense of pride that is hard to match in other fields.
Finding the Right Place and People
Success in the trades is not just about learning a skill—it is also about finding the right environment and support network. Being in the right place with the right people helps you grow faster, gain valuable mentorship, and access new opportunities. Surrounding yourself with skilled colleagues and supportive employers can make the difference between a job and a fulfilling career. The right place and right people create the perfect conditions to thrive.
Finding a career that is a good fit for your skills and interests can make all the difference in long-term satisfaction. In the trades, this means choosing a role that matches your strengths, whether it’s working with your hands, solving technical problems, or managing projects. When you are in a position that aligns with your abilities, learning comes faster, work feels more rewarding, and success becomes easier to achieve. Taking the time to find the right trade ensures that your career is not only profitable but also personally fulfilling.
Key Takeaways
Mentorship and guidance help newcomers navigate a clear path to success.
Trade careers provide debt-free, pay-to-learn opportunities.
Trades are diverse, from HVAC to software coding, aviation, and culinary arts.
Many trade careers are recession-proof and provide long-term stability.
Join The Trades centralizes opportunities and provides personalized job-matching tools.
Job seekers can filter employers by benefits, training programs, and hiring flexibility.
Realistic pay scales give accurate expectations for income growth.
Data privacy and cybersecurity are prioritized.
Advocacy campaigns help raise awareness about the value of trade careers.
Trades offer pride, purpose, and tangible results.
Final Word
Trade careers are about independence, skill, and making a real impact. Platforms like Join The Trades, combined with mentors and supportive communities, show that anyone can find a rewarding path that fits their abilities and interests. Take the first step, explore your options, and embrace the opportunities that trades offer. A high-earning, fulfilling career is waiting for those willing to learn, grow, and build the future.
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