Beyond the Trades: A Mentor’s Guide to Modern Careers in Automation
Planned Release: Q2 2026

Over the past few months, the conversations unfolding on LinkedIn and (privately) across my website have revealed something important: people are not simply browsing, they are searching for clarity, guidance, and honest mentorship. Time‑on‑page continues to rise, return visits are increasing, and early sales of Career Choices – In a System Rigged Against You have already reached twelve copies in one week. These signals matter. They affirm that the themes of transition, agency, and informed decision‑making resonate deeply with learners, parents, educators, and newcomers.
Even Google now frames my work as focused on career transitions and navigating institutional biases, a reminder that the message is finding its audience. But more importantly, it reinforces a responsibility I feel strongly: to give back to the generation of learners who must navigate a rapidly changing work landscape, where informed choices will shape their futures.

This is the spirit behind the next book in the series.

Beyond the Trades – A Mentor’s Guide to Modern Careers in Automation is designed to help students, parents, educators, and newcomers understand the full landscape of modern manufacturing and automation. While traditional trades remain essential, today’s opportunities extend far beyond what most people see. Automation, robotics, systems integration, digital manufacturing, and advanced production environments are reshaping the workforce and young people deserve a clear, practical guide to what’s possible.

The book is organized into seven chapters:

• Understanding the Manufacturing Automation Landscape
• Entry Points — Starting Your Journey
• Core Technical Domains and Skills
• Career Progression Paths
• Industry Contexts — Where You’ll Work
• The Reality Check
• Making Your Choice — Self‑Assessment and Next Steps
• Appendices & References

This project continues the same mission as the first book: to offer grounded, honest mentorship in a system that often leaves people guessing. By planting the seed now, I hope to reaffirm the value of this work and keep readers engaged as the manuscript develops and as our shared conversations deepen.