A Gen Zer's take on the trades and representing the toolbelt generation

Seth Feldman of Iowa-based Wertzbaugher Services joins The Fabricator Podcast to offer his take as a Gen Zer working in metal fabrication, why he turned to the skilled trades instead of the traditional college path, and thoughts on representing what's been dubbed the "toolbelt generation." Feldman explains how after high school, he pursued a traditional college route by attending University of Iowa, where his parents and siblings attended, but quickly realized that wasn't for him. He talks about how Lisa Wertzbaugher recruited him to work for her fabrication business, which put him on a 10-year success plan while learning how estimate jobs, fabricate and weld, and manage a team. Feldman adds his thoughts on the perception of the skilled trades among Generation Z and how more and more Gen Zers are exploring more career options outside of the traditional college path. The guys also talk Hawkeyes football and the best way to eat corn. This episode was recorded on location at the 2024 FMA Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Fla. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.