Pass the Torch:
A Rallying Call To Rescue the Future of Trades
“The straight-talking book every blue collar leader needs in today’s skilled labor market.”
We have problems in the trades and manufacturing industries. Everyone knows it and feels it.
Leaders in the industry are saying:
Skilled workers are retiring.
Experienced leaders are stretched thin.
Not enough young people have been filling the skilled worker pipeline.
Younger employees don’t work like they used to.
Young people are demanding than ever.
Supervisors don’t have the critical thinking skills like they used to.
Apprentices take way too long to be productive members of the team and they leave fast so why bother investing in them?
Worst of all, the education system isn’t meeting the needs of young people to attract or prepare them for a blue collar work environment.
Bottom Line - the people we need today to fill jobs, and the workers we’ll need in the next decade are becoming harder and harder to find, train, promote, and keep.
Hi, I’m Manja.
Third-generation tradesperson and the founder of Boost Union and Boost LD, where I work with companies, leaders, and frontline teams to strengthen their workforce. We develop training for leaders, supervisors, on site and in office workers across industries.
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand what’s working, what’s breaking, and where we’re losing people long before they reach their potential.
So, I decided to put pen to paper. I’ve taken the conversations I’ve had. My experience on job sites. Research on labour market numbers and have written the truth that I’m hearing from leaders like you.
We’re at a crossroads and need to do something before it’s too late.
Unless we get honest about the problems in the industry, stop complaining and do something about it, we won’t be able to fix them.
You’re not imagining the problems. They’re real and it’s only getting worse.
In this book, I’m opening up my toolkit and sharing for the first time:
How to make onboarding programs and training that actually works.
Why to take apprentices and how to upskill them faster.
How to train leaders and supervisors.
How to capture knowledge from retirees before they leave.
Value in having career pathways.
The value of a respectful workplace culture.
THE PROBLEMS WE CAN'T IGNORE
THE PROBLEMS WE CAN'T IGNORE
The Problems We Can’t Ignore
Hiring & Recruiting Is Hard
We’re all fishing for skilled workers from the same shrinking pond.
The Skilled Worker Shortage Is Breaking Companies
Boomers are retiring with 30+ years of skill and judgment that no one else has.
Younger Workers Think Differently
They’re not “lazy.” They’re different. They have limits and boundaries. They want clarity, mentorship, and respect. Without all of these “benefits”, they’re gone.
Supervisor Gaps Are Everywhere
Most supervisors and leaders in the trades were never trained to lead. They’re great at the work, but haven’t learned how to coach and plan.
Culture Is Driving People Away
A great culture retains talent. A bad one drives all the good people away.
We can't afford to bury our head in the sand, complain and not be part of the solution anymore.
Pass the Torch is your straight talking guide to fixing the problems that keep owners, leaders and supervisors stuck and saying “I know this is a problem, but I don’t know what to do about it”
In the book you get:
Practical leadership tactics that work
A system for capturing boomer knowledge and building worker skill faster
A blueprint for building a workplace culture people want to stay in
Real-world stories from tradespeople, union trainers, and business owners
Who this book is for
Trades business owners who want stability and growth
Supervisors who want to lead
with confidence
Union leaders navigating
industry change
Trainers who want their people to learn faster
Leaders planning for retirement who want to leave a legacy
If you want a strong team, a strong culture, and a strong future—this book is your playbook.
The Future Depends on What You Do Now
The industry isn’t slowing down and it’s changing faster than you can keep up with.
If leadership, culture, and knowledge transfer don’t evolve, your people—and your success—will suffer.
This book gives you the tools to fix it and be part of the solution, instead of complaining about the problems.
Pre-order today
Build the future your business and your people deserve.
Hardcover
Available individually or in bundles of 5 or 10
Paperback
Available individually or in bundles of 5 or 10