Supporting the Skilled Trades: Innovation, Partnerships, and Jobsite Impact

What does meaningful support for the skilled trades look like today, and where is it headed? 

Recorded at World of Concrete 2026, this conversation brings together perspectives from the field, labor organizations, and product development. The episode features Sean Kelley and Justin Ross of Milwaukee Tool alongside Bob Jacobson of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), exploring how real‑world jobsite challenges across North America continue to shape innovation in the skilled trades. 

The discussion examines how manufacturers and trade organizations collaborate to better understand evolving jobsite needs, from improving safety on active construction sites to developing solutions that enhance productivity, workflow, and system compatibility. The group also highlights the role of user feedback in research and development, and how insights from the field directly influence the tools and systems professionals rely on every day. 

Workforce development is another key focus, including the impact of training programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship in preparing the next generation of tradespeople. The conversation also explores how technology, particularly cordless platforms and connected systems, is changing how crews operate, communicate, and adapt on modern jobsites. 

From attracting new talent to addressing ongoing labor challenges, this episode underscores how industry collaboration continues to shape the future of the skilled trades across construction, concrete, and commercial jobsite environments. 

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