For most of my life, I thought I was going to be a scholar. I spent years studying Shakespeare, poring over texts, and teaching students how to analyze the complexity of language and human nature. My world was built on books, discussion, and theory. And then, somehow, I found myself standing in a sheet metal shop, learning how to run a business that fabricates HVAC components, welded stainless duct, and custom metalwork.
At first, I felt completely out of place. I didn’t know the tools, the language, or the processes. But I did know how to learn. And that, more than anything, is what tradespeople and scholars have in common: we never stop learning.
Lifelong Learning in the Trades
There’s a common stereotype that tradespeople just “do” while scholars “think.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. The best welders, fabricators, and HVAC technicians are also some of the best problem-solvers I’ve ever met. They analyze, troubleshoot, adapt, and think critically—all while working with their hands to create real, tangible solutions.
Every day in a sheet metal shop is an exercise in experiential learning. The work requires skill, yes, but it also demands creativity, patience, and a willingness to tackle complex challenges. When something doesn’t fit quite right, when a machine doesn’t run the way it’s supposed to, or when a customer has a unique request that doesn’t have an obvious solution—that’s when real learning happens.
We learn through doing, through making mistakes, and through working alongside people who have already mastered the craft. That’s why mentorship is so critical in the trades. The best shops aren’t just workplaces—they’re learning communities.
Why Mentorship Matters
I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship shapes careers. In our shop, everyone learns from everyone. The senior fabricators share their knowledge, but they also learn from younger employees who bring new perspectives and ideas. It’s a constant exchange—of experience, of techniques, of insights gained through trial and error.
One of the best examples of this in action is Dan and Neil. Dan is an incredible TIG welder, and Neil is an apprentice just starting his journey in the trade. When Neil wanted to learn how to design a custom cart, Dan didn’t just give him instructions—he worked with him, explained the process, and let him figure things out along the way. That’s how real learning happens: through guidance, not just direction.
Good mentorship isn’t just about passing down technical skills. It’s about building confidence, showing someone how to problem-solve, and fostering the mindset that learning is never finished.
Breaking the False Divide Between Education and Trades
Somewhere along the way, society started treating college as the only “real” form of education, while the trades were seen as a fallback option. That’s a mistake.
Education isn’t just about sitting in a classroom. Education is life itself.
The best tradespeople don’t just know how to weld or fabricate—they know how to think, communicate, and adapt. They are part of a long tradition of craftsmanship, innovation, and problem-solving that dates back centuries. A well-trained HVAC technician understands airflow, physics, and structural integrity. A skilled welder knows metallurgy, geometry, and precision measurement. These are intellectual skills as much as they are technical ones.
This is why I push back against the idea that we need “more welders and fewer philosophers.” Why not both? Why not welders who think critically, troubleshoot problems, and communicate effectively? Why not philosophers who work with their hands and understand the dignity of craftsmanship?
A Future Built on Learning
The trades are changing. New technologies, sustainability initiatives, and evolving customer needs mean that the HVAC and metal fabrication industries are more dynamic than ever. That means we need a workforce that is adaptable, curious, and always learning.
The best workers will be the ones who embrace new challenges instead of fearing them. Whether that’s learning to program a CNC machine, understanding the benefits of new energy-efficient systems, or even figuring out a CRM system for sales and project management (which, believe me, I didn’t want to do at first), the future belongs to those who are willing to figure it out.
At Madon Sheet Metal, we believe in investing in learning. Whether it’s through mentorship, hands-on training, or continuous education, we know that the best way to build a stronger industry is to build smarter workers. That’s why we see our shop not just as a place of work, but as a place of growth.
Because at the end of the day, the best tradespeople are also lifelong learners.
Join the Conversation
What’s the best lesson you’ve ever learned on the job? Who mentored you in your trade? Let’s celebrate the learning process—because every great welder, fabricator, and technician started somewhere.