Learning specific skills for successful careers in the trades have gained traction in recent years, with less time in school and competitive paying wages. While there is still a great need for skilled tradespeople, local owner of IHC Heating and Cooling Justin McKeown encourages young people to jump at the opportunity:
“The trades are behind on needing people. I mean we even need electricians in town. We have some good plumbers, but you can always use more. HVAC guys, we only have a few companies in town, but it is a trade; once you learn it, they cannot take it from you. That is worth the weight in gold right there, you can go from Monmouth to anyplace in the United States and you can apply your trade.”
McKeown began working at IHC in high school before taking ownership three and a half years ago of the local business.
