Shows
The Lost Art Of the Skilled TradesWhy Gen Z Is Choosing Trades Over College w/ Mark Hedstrom (SkillsUSA)Skilled trades shortage is a growing crisis. Mark Hedstrom joins Andrew Brown to discuss workforce gaps, SkillsUSA, and trade school vs college realities.The skilled trades shortage is no longer coming. It’s here. In this episode, Host Andrew Brown speaks with Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Steel Careers Coalition, live from the floor of the SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. Together, they break down what students, parents, employers, and educators need to know to build a stronger trades workforce.From trade school vs college decisions to why soft skills training is critical for long-term su...2025-07-3038 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 70 (4/3/25): Skilling up with SkillsUSA WisconsinFrom construction to cosmetology, SkillsUSA is a student organization empowering students -- sixth grade through post-secondary -- to explore, and even master, skilled trades. Wisconsin state president Marli Novy, a 12th grader at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to share more about the organization and how it is helping fill the talent pipeline in a variety of industries, including manufacturing. Marli's mother, Quinn Novy, works as a coordinator for the program and also joins the podcast to share her insights on how the program provides opportunities for school districts and businesses to partner.2025-04-0320 min
The Lost Art Of the Skilled TradesHow SkillsUSA Texas is Building the Next Generation of Tradespeople with Crystal Latham AlfordHost Andrew Brown sits down with Crystal Latham-Alford, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Texas. They dive into the impact of SkillsUSA competitions, the importance of career technical education (CTE), and how students can prepare for successful skilled trades careers. Crystal shares insights on how trade school opportunities help bridge the gap in the workforce, the role of soft skills training, and how industries can better support the next generation of tradespeople. If you're passionate about craftsmanship, problem-solving, and trades careers, this episode is a must-listen!IN THIS EPISODE:(00:02:15) – What is SkillsUSA and how it prepares students fo...2025-03-1825 min
The ConTechCrewHow Facility Management Solves the Skilled Labor Shortage with AI and SkillsUSA with Katelyn SanchezIn this special news edition of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Jacob D’Albora are joined by Katelyn Sanchez to discuss the latest advancements in construction technology, workforce development, and AI-driven facility management. They discuss SkillsUSA's expanding role in preparing the next generation of tradespeople, the growing demand for facility management professionals, and how adaptability is key in an evolving industry. Plus, they highlight Veridi’s efforts in training disadvantaged communities for careers in renewable energy.Key Takeaways:The expansion of Facilithon through SkillsUSA and its impact on facility management careers.The role of digi...2025-03-1330 min
The Lost Art Of the Skilled TradesSkillsUSA: Skilled Trades Careers, Competition, and Opportunities with Brooke GatchellHost Andrew Brown welcomes Brooke Gatchell, Social Media Specialist at SkillsUSA, to discuss the impact of the SkillsUSA welding competition and other trade competitions on students and professionals. They explore how skilled trades careers are evolving, the importance of trade school opportunities, and how organizations like SkillsUSA contribute to workforce development programs. They also discuss the National Leadership and Skills Conference, where the best in the trades industry showcase their craftsmanship and compete for top honors.In this Episode:(03:15) – Introduction to SkillsUSA and its role in shaping skilled trades careers.(07:40) – The impact of the...2025-03-1127 min
Education Matters - Mat-Su, AlaskaBuilding Skills, Building Futures – A Look Inside SkillsUSAOn this episode of Education Matters, we’re diving into the incredible world of SkillsUSA with a group of talented students from Colony High School! 🏅🔧✨These students are sharpening their skills in welding, technical drafting, public speaking, and more—all while preparing for intense competitions that could shape their futures. Hear how SkillsUSA is helping them build real-world expertise, gain confidence, and develop the professional skills needed for life beyond high school.From welding sculptures to nailing math competitions, their stories of hard work and perseverance will inspire you! Tune in now and discover why...2025-02-2710 min
SkillsUSA's Podcast2023 NLSC Opening Session Keynote SpeakersThree SkillsUSA Alumni – Aaron Robles, Laila Mirza and Matt DiBara – were the featured keynote speakers at the Opening Ceremony for SkillsUSA's 2023 National Leadership and Skills Conference Opening Session.2024-01-2316 min
Wingin' ItS2E4: SkillsUSAIf you've taken a course at CVCC, chances are you've seen a SkillsUSA banner in the classroom! SkillsUSA is a national competition that encourages the academic, professional, and personal skills of each student.
On this episode, we are joined by CVCC's very own Tammy Muller, Executive Director of Strategic Business Partnerships and SkillsUSA. Tammy speaks on the ways that "Skills" impact and influence students--not just in the classroom, but also throughout the rest of their lives.
To inquire about SkillsUSA at CVCC, contact Tammy at tmuller@cvcc.edu. To...2023-11-1627 min
Drive CTE with Penn StateSkillsUSA: Beyond the Elevator Pitch, an Interview with Dodie AmighIn this episode we interview Mrs. Dodie Amigh to learn about best practices for infusing CTE Curriculum and Daily lessons with leadership and hands on competencies from SkillsUSA and other CTSO'sDodie is the Executive Director of Pennsylvania SkillsUSA, and she shares her wisdom and strategies to help teachers integrate SkillsUSA into their every day lessons to help students overcome challenges and create life-changing opportunities. She also shares her advice for preparing students to be successful in competition and offers insight about the many ways a student may be involved in SkillsUSA. Click HERE to a...2023-10-2729 min
Lead Tennessee RadioSkillsUSA, Preparing the Future Workforce, With Joe MarcoStudents from Motlow State Community College's SkillsUSA chapter have won both national and state competitions in several categories, including telecommunications-related fields. Joe Marco, instructor at Motlow, discusses the benefits of SkillsUSA and how local broadband providers can prepare the future technical workforce of America.Joe Marco is also a cybersecurity research engineer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.2023-09-2131 minSkillsUSA's PodcastSocial Media TipsBrooke Gatchell, SkillsUSA's Social Media Specialist joins us for a breakdown of social media and how a SkillsUSA chapter can use it to share news about their programs.2023-08-0212 min
The MCTS ExperienceSkillsUSA - March 2023This monthly episode is about SkillsUSA! We have our counselor, Dana Tanzini on as a guest who is introducing a few surprises! Our student of the week, Jace, from Culinary Arts! Also, a tour of our SkillsUSA competitions. Our fearless leaders, Mr. Orfe and Mr. Nash take us on this journey to learn more about Mercer County Technical Schools and have fun! Remember to listen to us on Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes.00:00 - Welcome08:18 - Student of the Week - Jace Kalina12:28 - Teacher Tip - Counselor - Mrs. Tanzini18:17 - Featured G...2023-04-0335 minSkillsUSA's PodcastThe SkillsUSA AdvantageIn this episode, we share the findings from the SkillsUSA Advantage report — just released by the Student Research Foundation.2023-03-301h 01SkillsUSA's PodcastInterview: Sheila VasquezIn this episode, we sit down with SkillsUSA alumna Sheila Vasquez to talk about her journey from a student to an attorney to a published author.2023-03-2430 minSkillsUSA's PodcastLearn About SkillsUSA's ScholarshipsThere are several scholarships available to SkillsUSA members. What are they and how do you apply? We sit down with Megan Flinn, Member Engagement Specialist at SkillsUSA's National Headquarters to learn more about what's available and some best practices for applying.2023-02-1506 minSkillsUSA's PodcastCelebrate SkillsUSA WeekSkillsUSA Week is Feb. 6-10. There are a lot of ways to celebrate your chapter's work. Learn more about how to celebrate SkillsUSA Week with SkillsUSA's Tyler Chaffin.2023-01-1307 min
The TechEd PodcastBuilding America's Skilled Workforce - Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSASkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. They serve over 331,000 students and instructors annually...that's over 14 million students since its founding in 1965!You might be familiar with SkillsUSA through their popular state and national competitions. But they're about more than just hard skills: Their mission is all about empowering students to become world-class leaders, workers and American citizens.In this episode, we're talking with Chelle Travis, the Executive Director of SkillsUSA, about the work this organization is doing to carry out its mission. The...2022-11-2144 min
Inside The TradesEP 18: SkillsUSA Grad Shows How To Build Your Soft Skills, with Dianna SerranoThere is a palpable confidence within any SkillsUSA alumni that we want to touch on. It is something that isn’t explicitly talked about, but can be felt when in the room with these extremely talented and driven young people. What this comes from is the willingness to learn and the framework received by SkillsUSA that they can’t get from anywhere else. The drive comes from a supportive team believing in them and giving them the tools they need to be successful, and all of this can be found at SkillsUSA.On today’...2022-08-1715 minInside The TradesEp. 16: How SkillsUSA Is A Game Changer To Closing The Skills Gap, With Chelle Travis & Courtney FerrellThe unparalleled commitment SkillsUSA has taken on to solve the skills gap is creating a major ripple effect across the entire trades industry with what we affectionately call the "Trades Olympics." Bringing in new young talent that are passionate about the skilled trades is not only helping the industry, but it's helping to steer young people into professions that are highly lucrative and fulfilling. Professions they may not have considered before, but after feeling the support and excitement from organizations such as SkillsUSA, they are able to understand the impact of what their future could look like. E...2022-08-0313 minSkillsUSA's PodcastDarren Keefe Speaks at the 2022 NLSC Awards SessionOn June 24th, HGTV's Darren Keefe (also known as "The Dancing Carpenter") spoke at the Awards Session of SkillsUSA's 58th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Ga.2022-07-1406 minSkillsUSA's PodcastNick Pinchuk Speaks at the 2022 NLSC Opening SessionOn June 21, 2022, Snap-on President and CEO Nick Pinchuk delivered the keynote address for the Opening Session of SkillsUSA's 58th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Ga.2022-07-0629 minSkillsUSA's PodcastMiguel Cardona Speaks at the 2022 NLSC Opening SessionOn June 21, 2022, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona delivered an address to the attendees of the Opening Session for SkillsUSA's 58th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Ga.2022-06-2809 minSkillsUSA's PodcastThe NLSC 2022 EpisodeSeveral members of SkillsUSA's national staff discuss the 2022 National Leadership and Skill Conference.2022-06-061h 14SkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with Jay CliftonWe sit down with Jay Clifton. Jay tells us about how he got involved with SkillsUSA as well as his experiences as a national officer. He also talks about his appearance as a contestant on the Fox television show Crime Scene Kitchen.2021-10-1531 minSkillsUSA's PodcastTransport Topics Interview with Gabe Krebs and Tom WozniakDan Ronan from the SiriusXM program Transport Topics interviews WorldSkills USA Heavy Vehicle Maintenance competitor Gabe Krebs and WorldSkills USA Technical Expert (and SkillsUSA Wisconsin College/Postsecondary state director) Tom Wozniak. Used with permission.2021-10-0745 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with Lane DavisWe sit down with Lane Davis. He talks about his involvement with SkillsUSA and a dramatic event he experienced while preparing for WLTI.2021-08-0141 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with Noemi CastroWe sit down with former national officer Noemi Castro. She tells us about how she got involved in SkillsUSA and where that took her in her career.2021-04-2240 min
Imagine America RadioWhat is a Career & Technical College? With SkillsUSASkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. We help each student excel. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service (including health) occupations.SkillsUSA serves more than 372,655 students and instructors annually. This includes 20,598 instructors who join as professional members. Including alumni, SkillsUSA membership totals over 434,000. SkillsUSA has served 13.6 million annual members cumulatively since 1965 and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor...2021-03-0324 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with SkillsUSA's National Officers Part 3: At LargeWe sit down with SkillsUSA's 2020-21 At-Large officers to learn more about their experiences as students and members of SkillsUSA.2021-01-2944 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with SkillsUSA's National Officers Part 2: College/PostsecondaryWe sit down with SkillsUSA's 2020-21 College/Postsecondary officers to learn more about their experiences as students and members of SkillsUSA.2021-01-2824 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with SkillsUSA's National Officers Part 1: Regional VPsWe sit down with SkillsUSA's 2020-21 Regional Regional Vice Presidents to learn more about their experiences as students and members of SkillsUSA.2021-01-2744 min
The Arizona SkillsUSA PodcastEP 8: Running For Office!This time around, we have past and present National and State SkillsUSA officers to talk you through the ups and downs of running for office in SkillsUSA. We give you the step by step process to make sure you know what to do to run!
Another huge thanks to Phoenix based "Hot House Orchids" for their generous contribution of our Intro and Outro music!2021-01-1340 minThe Arizona SkillsUSA PodcastEP 7: Spring UpdateToday we talk with representatives from our State Office about what to expect for competition season this Spring! For anyone looking to compete at SkillsUSA State or Nationals, this is a must listen episode!2020-12-1222 minThe Arizona SkillsUSA PodcastEP 6: NetworkingWe have two fantastic SkillsUSA guests today to talk about networking and the idea of getting your foot in the door. What kind of attitude should you take when approaching a potential business associate for the first time? How do you maintain relationships with those around you in the world of work? Take a listen and find out.
Once again, a massive thank you to Phoenix band, Hot House Orchids, for letting us use their music for our intro and outro.2020-11-2522 min
The High Performing Educator PodcastChelle Travis - Executive Director of SkillsUSAChelle Travis is the executive director of SkillsUSA, a national organization of nearly 400,000 teachers and students within career and technical education. Travis was appointed in 2019 to lead a staff of 35 that manages a federation of 52 state and territorial associations. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible citizens. It improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce. With more than 17 years’ experience in career and technical education, Travis has served in a variety of academic settings, including secondary institutions, universities, and technical and community colleges. Most recently, she was the sen...2020-11-1127 min
The Arizona SkillsUSA PodcastThe AZ SkillsUSA Podcast: EP 1In our very first episode, our SkillsUSA Arizona State President and State Director talk a little about who they are, what they do, and the direction our organization will be taking this year.
A huge thanks to local AZ band Hot House Orchids for our awesome Intro and Outro music!2020-09-1633 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with Anthony MitchellWe sit down with Anthony Mitchell. A member since high school, Mitchell discusses the positive effect his SkillsUSA experience had on his life and how he's paying it forward in his local community.2020-08-3140 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with Glori BeaufortWe sit down with Glori Beaufort. A member of SkillsUSA since high school we discuss her SkillsUSA experience and how she uses the skills learned in her professional life.2020-05-1243 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with Tim LawrenceWe sit down with SkillsUSA's former Executive Director, Tim Lawrence.2020-02-1432 minSkillsUSA's PodcastInterview with Chelle TravisWe sit down with SkillsUSA's Executive Director, Chelle Travis.2020-02-0222 min
Skilled Trades Playbook by At Your BestEp. 021 - Dynamic programs and opportunities available to SkillsUSA members so they can gain real-world experience in the Skilled Trades. Call with Tim Lawrence - Executive Director of SkillsUSAIn this episode, you'll listen to my conversation with Tim Lawrence, who outlines the many great programs and opportunities SkillsUSA offers its more than 400,000 members to help them learn about the Skilled Trades by working with over 6000 schools across the country.For more information about SkillsUSA please go to: www.skillsusa.orgIf you'd like a complete list of all Skilled Trades Playbook episodes categorized by topic please click herePlease follow us on Facebook at @SkilledTradesPlaybookIf you have any comments or you have any ideas on how I can...2019-07-2926 minSkillsUSA's PodcastSkilled Trades Playbook: Interview with Tim Lawrence.In this episode, you'll listen to a conversation with Tim Lawrence, who outlines the many great programs and opportunities SkillsUSA offers its more than 400,000 members to help them learn about the Skilled Trades by working with over 6,000 schools across the country.
If you'd like a complete list of all Skilled Trades Playbook episodes categorized by topic, please visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/398833
You can follow them on Facebook at @SkilledTradesPlaybook
To learn more about the At Your Best Playbook series, please go to www.AtYourBest.com2019-07-2627 minSkillsUSA's PodcastKristen Ludgate, Speaks at SkillsUSA's 2019 Awards CeremonyKristen Ludgate, the senior vice president of Human Resources of 3M, speaks at the 2019 Awards Ceremony for SkillsUSA. 3M sponsored the ceremony and is also sponsoring the WorldSkills USA team.2019-06-2911 minSkillsUSA's PodcastArt delaCruz Speaks at SkillsUSA's 2019 Opening CeremonyTeam Rubicon COO Art delaCruz delivers the Keynote at the Opening Ceremony for the 55th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference. Team Rubicon is a nonprofit disaster response organization that uses the skills of military veterans to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. In giving veterans an opportunity to continue their service, Team Rubicon provides them with a sense of purpose, community and identity.2019-06-2633 minSkillsUSA's PodcastTim Lawrence Gives a SkillsUSA Briefing to CTE CaucusSkillsUSA Executive Director served as a panelist for a CTE 101 briefing for Hill staffers on Friday, Feb. 8. The event was a recruitment push for the House CTE Caucus and a co-sponsorship push for the House’s CTE Month Resolution. Hosted by Representatives Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) and Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), the panelists talked about career and technical education (CTE), what CTE programs look like, Perkins V funding, and career and technical student organizations (CTSOs). Speakers including Jared Nagurka of ACTE and Kathryn Zekus of Advance CTE, along with Tim Lawrence, who used the lens of SkillsUSA to describe how CTSOs be...2019-02-1414 minThe MCTS ExperienceS1 E1.6: SkillsUSA w/Lorraine MillerWe have Lorraine Miller from Warren County Technical School. Mrs. Miller is a SkillsUSA advisor who sat down with David Nash to talk about Warren County Technical School and SkillsUSA. Thank you Mrs. Miller!@mctsnjwww.mcts.eduInstagram: www.instagram.com/mctsnjFacebook: fb.me/mctsnjTwitter: www.twitter.com/mctsnjYoutube: goo.gl/nc1hEf@mctsnjwww.mcts.eduInstagram: instagram.com/mctsnjFacebook: fb.me/mctsnjTwitter: twitter.com/mctsnjYoutube: youtube.com/@mctsnjLinkedIn: linkedin.com...2018-10-0408 minThe MCTS ExperienceS1 E1.5: SkillsUSA w/Frank MorelliWe have Frank Morelli from Ocean County Vocational Technical School. Mr. Morelli is a SkillsUSA advisor who sat down with David Nash to talk about Ocean County Vocational Technical School and SkillsUSA. Thank you Mr. Morelli!@mctsnjwww.mcts.eduInstagram: www.instagram.com/mctsnjFacebook: fb.me/mctsnjTwitter: www.twitter.com/mctsnjYoutube: goo.gl/nc1hEf@mctsnjwww.mcts.eduInstagram: instagram.com/mctsnjFacebook: fb.me/mctsnjTwitter: twitter.com/mctsnjYoutube: youtube.com/@mctsnjLinkedIn...2018-10-0407 minThe MCTS ExperienceS1 E1.4: SkillsUSA w/Dave WhiteWe have Dave White from Gloucester County Institute of Technology. Mr. White is a SkillsUSA advisor who sat down with David Nash to talk about Gloucester County Institute of Technology and SkillsUSA. Thank you Mr. White!@mctsnjwww.mcts.eduInstagram: www.instagram.com/mctsnjFacebook: fb.me/mctsnjTwitter: www.twitter.com/mctsnjYoutube: goo.gl/nc1hEf@mctsnjwww.mcts.eduInstagram: instagram.com/mctsnjFacebook: fb.me/mctsnjTwitter: twitter.com/mctsnjYoutube: youtube.com/@mctsnjLinkedIn...2018-10-0408 minThe MCTS ExperienceS1 E1.3: SkillsUSA w/Peter CareyThis (somewhat) mini episode of The MCTS Experience is about SkillsUSA featuring Peter Carey. Peter is the NJ State Director of SkillsUSA. We dive into the importance of our students involvement in SkillsUSA and how it can affect the future success of our younger generation. We hope this can impact you listening on how to get your child or school to participate in SkillsUSA. https://www.nj-skillsusa.org/ https://www.skillsusa.org/@mctsnjwww.mcts.eduInstagram: www.instagram.com/mctsnjFacebook: fb.me/mctsnjTwitter: www.twitter.com...2018-10-0128 minSkillsUSA's PodcastWorldSkills Champions Trust Podcast: Nick PinchukKieron Kohlmann and Jacqueline Tanzer of the WorldSkills Champions Trust interview Nick Pinchuk, chariman and chief executive officer at Snap-on Inc. during the 2018 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Used with permission.2018-08-1019 minSkillsUSA's PodcastWorldSkills Champions Trust Podcast: Welding TeamKieron Kohlmann and Jacqueline Tanzer of the WorldSkills Champions Trust interview with an all-female welding fabrication team at the 2018 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Used with permission.2018-08-1010 minSkillsUSA's PodcastMojdeh PoulMojdeh Poul from 3M speaks at SkillsUSA's Awards Ceremony at the 2018 National Leadership and Skills Conference.2018-06-2910 minSkillsUSA's PodcastMike RoweMike Rowe speaks at SkillsUSA's Awards Ceremony at the 2018 National Leadership and Skills Conference.2018-06-2905 minSkillsUSA's PodcastBrad KeselowskiBrad Keselowski speaks at SkillsUSA's Opening Ceremony at the 2018 National Leadership and Skills Conference.2018-06-2734 minSkillsUSA's PodcastThe World Science Center PodcastSkillsUSA Executive Director Tim Lawrence is interviewed about career and technical education on the World Science Center Podcast2018-03-3027 min