Host Andrew Brown sits down with Boyd Worsham, President and CEO of NCCER, to discuss the importance of Skilled Trades Careers, Construction Workforce Development, and Carpentry Apprenticeships. Boyd shares his journey from high school carpentry to leading a national organization dedicated to workforce training and NCCER Certification Benefits. They dive into the challenges facing the Trades Industry, the ongoing labor shortage, and the importance of structured training programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Trade School vs. College and the future of Trades Careers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:22) – Introduction to the episode and guest, Boyd Worsham

(00:01:40) – The significance of SkillsUSA and how it supports Skilled Trades Careers

(00:06:58) – What makes a great carpenter? The balance of Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, and Creativity

(00:14:02) – The need for Construction Workforce Development and improving trade education awareness

(00:24:21) – Advice for those looking to start their own business in the Trades Industry

(00:44:01) – Key advice for young tradespeople: seizing Carpentry Apprenticeships and leadership

The Importance of Trades Education Schools must promote Trades Careers alongside traditional college paths. Trade School vs. College should be an informed choice, not an afterthought.

Training and Certifications Matter Earning an NCCER Certification significantly improves career prospects in Construction Workforce Development.

Career Growth in the Skilled Trades Skilled Trades Careers offer opportunities for leadership, business ownership, and Industry Experts mentoring the next generation.

Solving the Labor Shortage Awareness campaigns and initiatives like the Skilled Trades Advisory Council can help recruit more young people into the Trades Industry.

About the Guest:

Boyd Worsham is the President and CEO of NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), a nonprofit dedicated to providing standardized training and NCCER Certification Benefits across multiple skilled trades. With over 30 years in the Construction Industry, Boyd has worked in Carpentry, project management, and workforce training. He is passionate about promoting Carpentry Apprenticeships and ensuring the next generation of Tradespeople receive the education and support they need to succeed.

Skilled Trades Careers, Construction Workforce Development, Carpentry Apprenticeships, Trade School vs. College, NCCER Certification Benefits, NCCER, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Boyd Worsham, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

RESOURCE LINKS:

• Website: https://www.nccer.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boyd-worsham-b7b9b1183/

Host Andrew Brown speaks with Angela Coldwell, founder of Honor the Work, about the importance of early exposure to skilled trades education. They discuss how apprenticeships, career exploration, and hands-on learning can inspire the next generation of tradespeople. Angela shares insights on how educators and parents can guide students toward fulfilling careers in the trades industry, including carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and millwrights. The conversation highlights the impact of mentorship, problem-solving, and creativity in the world of skilled trades careers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:02:05) – Why career conversations about skilled trades should start early

(00:09:21) – Changing perceptions of the trades industry in schools and families

(00:17:55) – The benefits of apprenticeships and early hands-on experience

(00:25:38) – Steps to becoming an entrepreneur in the trades careers field

(00:32:12) – How educators can introduce tradespeople careers in classrooms

(00:37:31) – The role of technology, VR, and gamification in skilled trades education

Key Takeaways:

Early exposure is key – Students should be introduced to skilled trades careers as early as elementary school to break biases and showcase opportunities.

Apprenticeships accelerate career growth – Programs in the trades industry provide valuable hands-on experience, often leading to full-time jobs with great pay.

Trades careers offer diverse paths – Whether in carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, millwrights, or construction, skilled workers can become contractors, business owners, or industry leaders.

Creativity and problem-solving are essential – Tradespeople are innovators, using their skills to solve real-world problems and improve infrastructure.

About the Guest:

Angela Coldwell is the founder of Honor the Work, an organization dedicated to integrating skilled trades education into elementary and high school curriculums. As a former teacher, she has seen firsthand the gaps in education that prevent students from exploring trades careers. Angela is an advocate for tradespeople, working to connect students with industry experts, hands-on learning, and mentorship opportunities in fields like HVAC, electricians, plumbers, carpentry, and construction.

Keywords: Skilled Trades Careers, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Angela Coldwell, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Apprenticeships, Hands-on Learning, Workforce Development, Skilled Labor, Blue-Collar Jobs, Vocational Training, Career Exploration, Job Readiness, Technical Skills, STEM Careers, Skilled Workforce, Entrepreneurship in Trades, Building Trades, Manufacturing, Skilled Trades Education

RESOURCE LINKS:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacoldwell/
• Website: https://honourthework.ca/

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Barry Zekelman, CEO of Zekelman Industries. Barry shares his incredible journey from inheriting his father's struggling company at 19 to transforming it into one of North America's largest steel pipe and tube manufacturers. Together, they discuss entrepreneurship in skilled trades, the importance of trades advocacy, building a thriving trades industry culture, and empowering tradespeople to succeed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about skilled trades careers, leadership, and craftsmanship.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) - Introduction: Andrew Brown welcomes Barry Zekelman and sets the stage for discussing skilled trades careers.

(04:30) - Barry Zekelman reflects on inheriting his father's business and the challenges of entrepreneurship in skilled trades.

(10:15) - Building a strong trades industry culture and empowering employees for success.

(20:00) - The role of problem-solving and creativity in skilled trades careers like carpentry, HVAC, and construction.

(30:45) - Advocacy for trades careers: Why skilled trades are vital to our economy and communities.

(40:00) - Closing thoughts: Barry's advice for young tradespeople and aspiring leaders.

Key Takeaways:

Empowering People is Key: Building a strong culture and trusting your team can elevate success in the trades industry.

Trades Careers are Honorable: Careers in skilled trades like millwrights, electricians, plumbers, and contractors offer fulfillment and stability.

Leadership is Learned and Earned: Barry emphasizes the importance of empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork in becoming a successful leader.

Advocacy Matters: Trades advocacy and leadership are crucial for addressing the trades shortage and shaping the future of skilled trades careers.

About the Guest:

Barry Zekelman is the CEO and Executive Chairman of Zekelman Industries, a leading steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America. Starting his leadership journey at the age of 19 after the sudden passing of his father, Barry turned a struggling company into a billion-dollar powerhouse. His passion for skilled trades careers, entrepreneurship in skilled trades, and advocacy for tradespeople has made him a respected leader in the industry. He is committed to creating opportunities for tradespeople and fostering a thriving trades industry culture.

Keywords:

Skilled Trades Careers, Trades Industry Culture, Barry Zekelman Interview, Entrepreneurship in Skilled Trades, Trades Advocacy and Leadership, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Toolfetch, Barry Zekelman, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council.

RESOURCE LINKS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-z-5a9a25268/

Website: https://www.zekelman.com/