How Graham Beatty's Journey From School to the Trades, Then Back to School Opened More Doors

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Graham Beatty didn’t start his career in the trades, but he’s built one that now spans instruction, business ownership, and advanced technical expertise.

Today, he’s a full-time instructor in the piping department and co-owner of an HVAC company. But his path into the trades started with a very different background.

“I started in the trades after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree, but I didn’t have any other skills outside of that.”

So Beatty got his start on the ground floor, the same way many tradespeople do.

“I started out digging ditches for a plumbing company and then got my apprenticeship.”

Over the next decade, Graham built his experience in plumbing. However, his decision to keep learning opened new doors.

“I took targeted courses in air handling and hydronics that helped me transition from straight plumbing into the heating world, and then into air conditioning and heat pumps as well.”

Those courses allowed him to expand beyond a single trade and move into more technical, in-demand areas of the industry.

Gaining an Edge Through Education

Graham didn’t stop at technical training. He also pursued a teaching certificate before even becoming an instructor.

“I’m the only one of the 17 guys in our department who started the teacher training before they got the job as an instructor.”

That decision gave him a clear advantage.

“That teacher training gave me a real leg up. It improved the clarity of my delivery for my students and gave me a blueprint for setting up the curriculum.”

Keeping Up in a Rapidly Changing Industry

For Graham, ongoing learning isn’t optional. It’s essential.

“With new technologies constantly advancing, industries are moving faster than ever before. If you don’t keep up, you can limit your career progression.”

As trades become more technical, the gap is growing between those who can perform physical tasks and those who can diagnose and troubleshoot complex systems.

“The trades have gotten so much more technical. The separation between the people who can physically do the work and those who possess the technical knowledge is increasing.”

Lessons in Leadership and Growth

Running a business brought its own challenges, along with several important lessons.

“I learned everything the hard way.”

After a close call involving an undertrained employee, Graham initially thought the solution was to avoid hiring altogether.

“But the real lesson was that I should have been a better leader.”

That experience shifted his perspective on the importance of leadership and business skills in the trades.

“Leadership training and business education are often lacking. Learning these skills can provide significant value to both employers and employees.”

Building a Stronger Future in the Trades

Today, Graham encourages others in the trades to invest in their own development, regardless of whether they’re looking to advance, specialize, or pivot into a new area.

“The courses TradeUpBC features speed up career development and make it easier for people to grow or pivot in their careers.”