Skilled Trades Education and Certification for the Future Workforce with SkillCat

In this episode, Ruchir Shah, founder and CEO of SkillCat, discusses the platform’s role in providing affordable and accredited online training for skilled trades certifications. SkillCat has made significant strides in offering over 1500 hours of training across various trades like HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, and appliance repair, reaching nearly 300,000 individuals. Ruchir shares his journey, which began with creating online courses for oil and gas workers, evolving into SkillCat due to the economic impact of COVID-19 on blue-collar industries. The platform not only addresses the decline in blue-collar income but also taps into a growing interest among Gen Z in hands-on trades. SkillCat’s approach focuses on affordability, accessible reskilling, and the long-term development of talent pipelines for companies.

Key Takeaways:

• SkillCat’s Impact: Offering over 1500 hours of online training for skilled trades, SkillCat has served nearly 300,000 individuals, helping to revitalize blue-collar careers.
• Affordability and Accessibility: The platform provides high-quality training for only $10 per month, making it an affordable resource for reskilling and career growth.
• Appeal of Skilled Trades to Gen Z: Trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work are increasingly attracting Gen Z due to social interaction, meaningful work, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Future Expansion Plans: Shah aims to expand SkillCat’s offerings to include more trades like welding and to serve as a comprehensive apprenticeship solution for both large corporations and smaller companies.