Plumbing Industry Pro Writes Kids Books to Promote Skilled Trades
November 3, 2022 | By HPAC Magazine
Beginning with plumbing, the author plans a series of illustrated children’s books which teach how skilled trades are noble, necessary, and appreciated when completed.
A Philadelphia-area HVAC/R and plumbing industry representative is aiming to improve the perception of the skilled trades among kids with the launch of his children’s book, The Water Came To A Stop, the first in a proposed series of books called Next Up Trades.
Ryan Kiscaden
“Next Up Trades represent an illustrated children’s book series which teaches children that the skilled trades are noble, necessary, and appreciated when completed,” says author Ryan Kiscaden in a media release about the book launch.
Kiscaden, who works for Watts, notes that it’s his own “personal mission statement” that led to the creation of the series. “I want the plumbing, HVAC/R and electrical trades to grow and it starts by changing the perception of the skilled technician,” he says.
The content of the series focuses on celebrating problem solving and helping others. Future lessons from the series will be teaching in-the-field best practices such as job cleanliness, safety, creativity and hygiene.
The first book is told in a residential plumbing setting and is targeted toward the age range of 4 to 8 year olds.
The story has Dean enjoying his birthday with all his friends and family when his home’s water unexpectedly stops. The family acts quickly and calls Gomer Gopher and Flo Fish from Next Up Trades.
At the conclusion, Dean and the family acknowledge their admiration for those involved in the plumbing trade.
The next books in the series are slated to focus on HVAC (The Air Came To A Stop) and electrical (The Power Came To A Stop) featuring the same characters.
“The Next Up Trades series goes after a generation earlier than middle- and high school-aged students to introduce parents, guardians, and children to the industry,” says Kiscaden.
“The reality is that in a time of a comfort emergency, skilled tradespeople are essential to solving our problems through their expertise in quality installations and maintenance. This series is my way to tell the industry’s story.”
The Water Came To A Stop is available in paperback and eBook versions through Amazon. Up to 2% of the post-profit proceeds will be donated to SKILLSUSA.
