Episode
Plumbing, Pressure & Competition: Lessons from A WorldSkills Competitor with Charles Goede
- Published
- Dec 9, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 925
- Processing state
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Summary
Want to start a plumbing career? Charles Goede joins host Andrew Brown to break down trade school training, union apprenticeships, and the SkillsUSA competition. Host Andrew Brown sits down with Charles Goede , the U.S. competitor for WorldSkills Plumbing & Heating 2026, to explore how a young tradesperson rises through trade school training, excels in the SkillsUSA competition, and builds a long-term plumbing career. Charles opens up about mentors who shaped him, the reality of union apprenticeships, what it’s like to compete on a world stage, and how the skilled trades create life-changing opportunities—from travel to high-earning work to lifelong craftsmanship. Whether you’re curious about entering the trades industry, pursuing plumbing, or navigating union vs. non-union opportunities, this episode delivers raw, real-world insight from someone who’s lived it. IN THIS EPISODE (00:01) – Starting a Plumbing Career Through Trade School Training. How Charles discovered trade school training, joined SkillsUSA, and realized the skilled trades were the right path. (05:22) – SkillsUSA Competition: Pressure, Performance & Personal Growth. Charles explains competing at the SkillsUSA competition, winning Connecticut, and placing second in the nation—plus the nerves of performing in front of thousands. (12:18) – Family Influence, Mentorship & Finding the Right Trade. Why he chose a plumbing career over welding or electrical, and how mentors, teachers, and his cousin guided him through early decision-making. (18:40) – Big Mechanical Systems & Daily Problem-Solving in the Skilled Trades. A look at boilers, chillers, steam systems, blueprints, and why problem-solving is the heart of craftsmanship in the skilled trades. (24:50) – Union Apprenticeships: Pay, Benefits…