• Construction professional Joel Ney of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, encourages more people to explore careers in construction and welding through hands-on learning, continuous growth, and practical experience.

PINE GROVE, Pa., Jul 28, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — As demand for skilled workers continues to grow across the construction industry, Pennsylvania construction professional and welder Joel Ney is encouraging more people to consider careers in the skilled trades. Drawing on his own experience working in construction and welding, Ney believes these careers offer lasting opportunities for people who are willing to learn, work hard, and develop practical skills.

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the U.S. construction industry will need hundreds of thousands of additional workers to meet anticipated demand in the coming years. At the same time, many experienced tradespeople are reaching retirement age, creating new opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers.

For Ney, the conversation goes beyond filling open positions. It is about helping people build meaningful careers that create long-term value for themselves and their communities.

“A hard-working attitude and the willingness to learn and grow within your career,” Ney says. “That’s what really makes a difference.”

Ney began his own career after graduating from Pine Grove High School and continuing his education at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and Mansfield University. He first worked in construction with PKF III Construction before expanding his experience as a welder with Great Coasters International.

Like many people entering the trades, he started with limited experience and quickly learned that success comes through patience and persistence.

“One of the biggest obstacles I have faced is starting as the new guy and having to work my way up with little experience,” Ney says. “I overcame this by working hard and learning from anyone I possibly could.”

He believes that willingness to learn remains one of the greatest strengths someone can bring into construction or welding. Every project introduces new challenges, different materials, changing conditions, and opportunities to improve.

Rather than expecting immediate success, Ney encourages newcomers to focus on building strong habits and developing dependable skills over time.

“Setting goals and pushing myself to achieve them,” he says, “has always helped me stay focused.”

Beyond technical knowledge, Ney believes reliability has become one of the most valuable qualities in today’s workforce. Construction projects depend on teamwork, communication, and people following through on their responsibilities.

“Success to me is having the people around me trust that I can get the job done and being able to provide for my family,” he says.

Ney also sees trade education as an important part of strengthening local communities. Technical schools, apprenticeships, and hands-on training programs provide opportunities for students who enjoy solving problems, working with their hands, and seeing the results of their efforts at the end of each day.

He hopes more students will explore these career paths before assuming that a traditional four-year degree is the only route to success.

“Every person you work with knows something you don’t,” Ney says. “If you’re willing to listen and learn, you’ll keep getting better.”

Outside of work, Ney volunteers through his church, supports local youth sports teams, and contributes to SPCA organizations and local charities. He believes the same values that build successful careers—hard work, responsibility, and helping others—also strengthen communities.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, Ney remains optimistic about the opportunities ahead for those willing to invest in practical skills and lifelong learning.

“There is always something new to learn,” he says. “If you stay focused, work hard, and keep improving, you’re giving yourself a solid foundation for the future.”

Call to Action

Joel Ney encourages students, young professionals, and anyone considering a career change to explore skilled trades through local technical schools, apprenticeship programs, job shadowing opportunities, and conversations with experienced tradespeople. Learning directly from professionals and gaining hands-on experience can provide valuable insight into careers that continue to play an essential role in building and maintaining communities.

About Joel Ney

Joel Ney is a construction professional and welder based in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. His career includes experience in construction, contracting, and welding, with a focus on quality workmanship, continuous learning, and dependable service. Outside of work, he volunteers through his church, supports local youth sports programs, and contributes to SPCA organizations and other local charities. He is passionate about promoting skilled trades and encouraging others to build rewarding careers through hands-on experience.