Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. In 2026, the skilled trades are facing a reality check that is impossible to ignore: A significant rift has opened between the priorities of organizational leaders and the priorities of their employees, especially as […]
Ask almost any facilities leader about their biggest challenge right now and the workforce will be near the top of the list. Across the industry, it has become harder to recruit and retain skilled trades. Buildings are becoming more complex and require technicians with a wider range of skills. Electricians, HVAC technicians, maintenance engineers, and […]
As the United States grapples with aging building stock and the need for infrastructure modernization, a critical workforce challenge threatens the commercial real estate sector’s ability to maintain, modernize, and operate the built environment. JLL’s latest skilled trades talent research reveals that by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions for electricians, HVAC technicians, […]
Nearly every modern facility relies on electrical systems, whether it’s a data center, manufacturing plant, school, hospital, or public infrastructure. In all cases, reliability, safety, and uptime are critical. That’s why NFPA 70B, which moved from a recommended practice to a mandatory standard in 2023, has become a focal point for facilities managers across industries. […]
Skilled trades are considered a strong foundation for a facilities management career. As the U.S. confronts a critical shortage of skilled trade workers, the Lowe’s Foundation announced an expanded $250 million commitment to help train and develop 250,000 tradespeople by 2035 through its Gable Grants program. This announcement follows a $100 million initiative from financial giant BlackRock to support the next […]
Contact with electricity or exposure to it remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States, according to an analysis recently released by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). ESFI gathered data on fatal and non-fatal occupational electrical injuries from the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Occupational Safety […]
Stephen Odom, a senior facilities manager at Papa Johns, believes having a strong background in skilled trades can set you up for success in facilities management—especially when it comes to working under “extreme” pressure. Odom’s own background includes about 20 years in the commercial mechanical industry, with previous roles such as regional HVAC manager, national […]
For years, the phrases “skilled trades” and “manual labor” have been synonymous with one another, making electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians professions one would not associate with advanced technology or artificial intelligence (AI). However, this perception is evolving as more trade workers experience the tangible benefits of advanced technology. An August 2025 survey from […]
In facilities management, peer-to-peer connections are among the strongest found in any industry. These relationships are sustained by a shared mission to “roll up our sleeves” and “get our hands dirty” while tackling the complex operational, technical, and organizational issues facing educational and commercial properties. While the unique challenges of this field promote strong bonds, […]
The rapid pace of technological advancement is transforming industries and reshaping the future of work, and the current state of the skilled trades is no different. As more skilled workers move toward retirement, attracting and retaining a new generation of tradespeople requires a commitment to embracing technological change. In turn, facilities managers must pay close […]