Spark The Trade

Spark the Trade is a podcast by Spanky the Sparky featuring real conversations from inside the skilled trades. From apprentices and journeymen to foremen, superintendents, and business owners, the show covers career paths, life on the job, union work, money, culture, and the future of the trades. No fluff, no corporate spin — just honest talk from the people doing the work.

Spark The Trade is a business podcast hosted by Spanky The Sparky, with 25 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 81. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Spanky The Sparky hosts Spark The Trade, a business show with 25 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #24

  NECA CEO David Long Reveals the Future of the Electrical Trades

  Jul 15, 202646 min

  The electrical industry is changing faster than ever—and AI is becoming part of that future.In this episode of Spark The Trade, Noah sits down with David Long, CEO of NECA, to discuss how artificial intelligence, digital training, and emerging technologies are reshaping electrical construction, apprenticeship programs, and the future of the skilled trades. From AI-powered troubleshooting to the next generation of workforce development, this conversation explores what contractors, electricians, apprentices, and industry leaders should be paying attention to as technology continues to evolve. In this episode: How AI is changing the electrical industry Why technology is creating new opportunities for skilled trades The future of apprenticeship and workforce training How NECA is preparing contractors for what's next The importance of labor-management collaboration What electricians can do today to stay ahead of industry changes Whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, contractor, or simply interested in where construction is headed, this episode offers an inside look at one of the biggest shifts the industry has seen in decades.If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone in the electrical industry. #NECA #ElectricalTrades #Electricians #AI #Construction #SkilledTrades #Apprenticeship #ConstructionTechnology #WorkforceDevelopment #SparkTheTrade

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  Spark The Trade

  BP Locked Out 800+ USW 7-1 Workers for 100+ Days

  Jul 2, 202622 min

  BP's dispute with USW Local 7-1 is about far more than a contract. Union President Eric Schultz explains why workers believe the company's planned lockout is a calculated attempt to weaken organized labor—not just at one refinery, but across the industry. We discuss BP's proposal, national oil bargaining, the use of replacement workers reportedly earning up to $127 per hour, and what's at stake for the more than 800 union families involved. Schultz also shares how community support, labor solidarity, and strategic organizing are shaping the fight. Whether you're a union member, work in the trades, or simply want to understand what's happening inside one of the country's most significant labor disputes, this conversation offers an inside look at the issues driving the conflict. Eric Schultz is the president of United Steelworkers Local 7-1, representing refinery workers in Northwest Indiana and leading the local through one of the most closely watched labor disputes in the U.S. HELP SUPPORT USW 7-1: Sign the petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stand-in-solidarity-with-locked-out-union-workers-at-bp/ Support page: https://supportoilworkers.com/ #UnionStrong #WorkersRights #OrganizedLabor #BlueCollar #Construction #SkilledTrades #RefineryWorkers #USW #LaborMovement #Solidarity

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  Episode #23

  Union Labor Is a $75 BILLION Machine | Frank Callahan Massachusetts Building Trades Unions

  May 17, 202634 minS0

  <p>Most people still think of union labor as a relic of the past. The reality is a lot different. In this episode, Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions, breaks down how organized labor is a massive economic engine driving more than $75 billion into Massachusetts alone and why union labor consistently delivers stronger productivity, better training, and long-term value on major projects.</p><p><br /></p><p>We talk about why union apprenticeships remain one of the strongest career paths available today, with many young workers earning six figures before 25 without the burden of college debt. Frank...

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  Episode #22

  IBEW 291 is BOOMING with work - the power of organizing

  Apr 29, 202637 minS0

  <p>Everyone keeps saying there’s a labor shortage in the trades… but the reality on the ground tells a different story.After speaking with IBEW Local 291, it’s clear the work is there. Locals like 291 are staying busy and actively looking for people.So what’s the real issue?It might not be a lack of opportunity… it might be a lack of visibility.We break down how unions empower workers, what organizing actually looks like, and why having a stronger online presence could be the key to connecting the next generation to careers in the trades.#IBEW291 #IBEW #UnionStron...

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  Episode #22

  From Ironworker to IBEW 124 President — The Truth About the Trades Nobody Talks About

  Apr 27, 202629 minS0

  <p>Most people think the trades are just about hard labor. They’re wrong.In this episode, we break down the real journey of John McLaughlin — from getting laid off as an ironworker to becoming a leader in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.</p><p>This isn’t just a career switch story. It’s about stability, benefits, leadership, and what actually happens when you get involved in your union.If you’re in the trades, thinking about joining, or wondering if it’s worth it… this is the conversation people aren’t having. </p><p>Real experiences. Real lessons. No fluf...

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