Put Tools in Schools: Rebuilding Critical Thinking, Trades Education & Workforce Development | About Your House Hour 1

Put Tools in Schools: Building the Future Workforce Through Skilled Trades | About Your House with Ray Terry

The future of America depends on the next generation of skilled trades professionals—and it starts in our schools. In this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry, the conversation shifts to Put Tools in Schools, a growing movement dedicated to reconnecting students with the skilled trades and showing young people that rewarding careers exist beyond the traditional four-year college path. Ray Terry and his guest discuss the growing labor shortage, why craftsmanship and critical thinking matter more than ever, and how communities, businesses, educators, and parents can work together to inspire the next generation of electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters, welders, mechanics, and other skilled professionals. They also explore mentorship, hands-on education, workforce development, career pathways, and the importance of restoring pride in the trades while giving students opportunities to discover their talents early. If you've ever wondered why it's becoming harder to find qualified tradespeople—or what we can do to change that—this conversation is for you. Learn more about Put Tools in Schools: https://puttoolsinschools.org [https://puttoolsinschools.org] About Your House with Ray Terry combines decades of construction expertise with practical homeowner advice while championing the future of skilled trades education through Put Tools in Schools. #PutToolsInSchools #AboutYourHouse #RayTerry #SkilledTrades #TradesEducation #Construction #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerPaths #BlueCollar #TradeSchool #CriticalThinking #HomeImprovement #CharlotteNC

Summer Home Maintenance Tips, HVAC Condensation, Attic Ventilation & Why Skilled Trades Matter | About Your House with Ray Terry

Summer heat brings more than high temperatures—it also brings hidden home maintenance issues that can cost homeowners thousands if they're ignored. In this episode of About Your House with Ray Terry, Ray discusses essential summer homeowner tips, including how HVAC condensate drains work, preventing costly water damage, attic ventilation, crawlspace humidity, encapsulated attics, energy efficiency, lightning protection, and common air conditioning mistakes homeowners make during the hottest months of the year. Ray also shares a real-world service call that highlights the importance of critical thinking and craftsmanship in the skilled trades, explaining why construction quality continues to decline and why the mission of Put Tools in Schools has never been more important. Topics include: • HVAC condensate drain maintenance • Preventing water damage from clogged AC drains • Attic ventilation and attic tents • Encapsulated attic benefits • Crawlspace moisture and humidity control • Summer home maintenance checklist • HVAC efficiency and energy savings • Avoiding costly HVAC upsells • Lightning protection for your home • Construction quality concerns • Critical thinking in the skilled trades • Why Put Tools in Schools is rebuilding America's workforce Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or someone interested in skilled trades and home improvement, this episode is packed with practical advice that can help protect your home and save money this summer. Learn more about Put Tools in Schools and the mission to reconnect students with careers in the skilled trades: https://puttoolsinschools.org [https://puttoolsinschools.org] Subscribe for more episodes of About Your House with Ray Terry covering home maintenance, construction, HVAC, remodeling, energy efficiency, and skilled trades education.

Summer Home Maintenance & The Future of Skilled Trades | About Your House – Put Tools in Schools

Summer heat, humidity, and fast-moving thunderstorms can take a serious toll on your home if you’re not prepared. In this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry sits down with David Richardson to break down the most important summer homeowner maintenance tips and why preventative care can save you thousands in repairs. From HVAC condensate drain maintenance and attic ventilation to crawlspace moisture control and energy efficiency upgrades, this conversation covers the real-world issues homeowners face every summer in the Carolinas and beyond. But this episode goes deeper than home maintenance. Ray and David also explore the growing concerns around declining construction quality, the loss of critical thinking in today’s workforce, and why rebuilding a strong foundation in skilled trades education is more important than ever. The discussion ties directly into the mission of the Put Tools in Schools initiative, helping reconnect students with hands-on learning, safety culture, and real career pathways in the trades. Together, they break down how industry, education, and community partnerships can help close the skills gap—and why getting tools back into the hands of students early can change lives. Topics Covered: • HVAC condensate drain maintenance • Attic ventilation & energy efficiency • Crawlspace moisture and humidity issues • Summer storm readiness & lightning concerns • Construction quality and workforce challenges • Critical thinking and safety culture in the trades • Skilled trades education & career pathways • Put Tools in Schools initiative and outreach Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, educator, or policymaker, this episode connects practical summer home care with the bigger picture of building a stronger skilled workforce.

Summer Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know | About Your House

Summer is here, and that means heat, humidity, thunderstorms, and potential home maintenance headaches. In this episode of About Your House, Ray Terry discusses essential summer homeowner tips, including HVAC condensate drain maintenance, attic ventilation, crawlspace moisture issues, energy efficiency improvements, and how to avoid costly repairs. Ray also shares a real-world example of critical thinking in the trades, discusses concerns about declining construction quality, and explains why skilled trades education remains so important through the Put Tools in Schools initiative. Topics Covered: • HVAC condensate drain maintenance • Attic ventilation and attic tents • Encapsulated attics and energy savings • Crawlspace moisture and humidity issues • Summer thunderstorms and lightning protection • Construction quality concerns • Skilled trades and workforce development • Homeowner maintenance tips for hot weather Learn how a few simple preventative measures can save you money, reduce stress, and keep your home comfortable all summer long. For more episodes of About Your House and information about Put Tools in Schools, be sure to subscribe and follow for future updates.

Put Tools in Schools: Building the Future Workforce Through Trades, Mentorship & Education Reform | Hour 2

In Hour 2 of About Your House, Ray Terry, David, and Roosevelt continue the conversation about the mission of Put Tools in Schools and the growing need to connect students with real-world career opportunities through skilled trades education. The discussion focuses on the challenges facing today's workforce, the disconnect between education and industry needs, and how apprenticeships, mentorships, and hands-on learning can help prepare students for successful careers. The team explores the importance of teaching practical skills, leadership, confidence, and workforce readiness while creating pathways into construction, plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing, transportation, and other essential industries. They also discuss plans to expand Put Tools in Schools through mobile training trailers, community partnerships, homeschool engagement, industry collaboration, and mentorship programs that help students discover career opportunities before they leave high school. Whether you're an educator, contractor, parent, business owner, or advocate for workforce development, this episode offers valuable insights into building the next generation of skilled professionals. Topics Covered: * Put Tools in Schools initiatives and future plans * Skilled trades workforce shortages * Apprenticeships and career pathways * Construction industry workforce development * Hands-on learning and practical education * Trade skills training in schools * Mentorship and leadership development * Industry and education partnerships * Workforce readiness and employability skills * Homeschool growth and alternative education * The future of skilled labor in America Listen every week to About Your House on Fox Sports Charlotte as Ray Terry and guests discuss home improvement, construction, education, workforce development, and building stronger communities.