Skilled Nation

For years, skilled trades were seen as a “man’s world.” That’s changing fast. In this episode of Skilled Nation, we sit down with Alayna Chavez, a professional plumber at Parker and Sons, and Kate Glantz, co-founder of Move Over Bob, to explore how women are breaking into careers in plumbing, construction, welding, and other skilled trades and building powerful, high paying futures in the process....

The United States is facing a major skilled trades worker shortage, with hundreds of thousands of open jobs across construction, HVAC, welding, manufacturing, and electrical trades. At the same time, many capable people struggle to find employment because of barriers such as incarceration history, career gaps, or lack of access to training. In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy Rhoades spe...

Too many students and parents can’t find clear, trustworthy guidance on trade careers. In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy talks with Doug Winston, founder of TradeMentor.org, about why schools often push “college first,” what a real apprenticeship looks like, and why demand is surging in electrical, lineman work, welding, HVAC, and manufacturing. Doug shares how TradeMentor.org connects...

Builder and TV host Kayleen McCabe talks about finding purpose in the trades, growing through mentorship, and turning craft into career. She shares lessons on resilience, innovation, and expanding opportunities for the next generation in construction.

Skilled work is evolving and the next generation is building careers in places most people never think to look. From fabrication and engineering to fire, logistics, and immersive production, this is where creativity and technical skill collide. Ryan Tucknott, Director of Business Development explains how innovators like Walter Productions are turning raw materials, bold ideas, and hands-on experti...

Lizeth Rivas didn’t start in the trades, but she found her calling there. From discovering a fully funded welding scholarship to building a career in aerospace, Lizeth shares how hands-on skill, resilience, and belief in herself changed her life. This episode dives into precision, passion, community, and the message that skilled trades are open to anyone ready to learn, grow, and build something r...

In Season One, Skilled Nation shared real stories from graduates and pros across welding, electrical, HVAC, lineman, and more, revealing how trade school skills launch high-paying, future-proof careers. Season Two takes it further, spotlighting industry leaders, innovation, and the next generation of skilled workers shaping fields from motorsports to aerospace. Because skilled trades aren’t just c...

In this episode of Skilled Nation, we sit down with two admissions counselors from Tulsa Welding School’s Jacksonville campus to explore how they help students take that first step into the trades. From breaking misconceptions to sharing the life-changing moments they witness every day this episode reveals the people and passion behind starting a skilled career.

Today’s electricians aren’t just wiring houses, they’re shaping the future of smart homes, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable power solutions. In this episode, hear from an electrical trade graduate working on cutting-edge projects like EV charger installations, solar integrations, and home automation systems. Discover how electrical skills translate into futureproof, high-demand careers.

This episode dives into the world of AIMT—where tech, mechanics, and problem-solving collide. Learn how advanced maintenance techs keep factories, robotics, and automated systems running, and why this high-demand career could be your path to a future-proof, high-paying job.

This episode explores the real-world benefits of a career in electrical. From trade school to job site, our guest shares what it takes to succeed, the earning potential, and why becoming an electrician is a smart, secure move for anyone ready to build a future with their hands—and their head.

We dive into the world of welding—where skill meets fire and the payoff is real. Hear how one grad turned hands-on training into a high-paying, high-demand career, and why welding might be the ultimate trade for those who like heat, hustle, and building things that last.

Tradespeople share “What’s in my toolbox?” Cover what a typical day looks like, what they love about their work and what they wish others knew. Great design opportunity to bring environments to life.

Forget the four-year debt trap. This episode is all about the fast track from learning to earning. We break down how trade schools and real-world apprenticeships are helping guys like you build serious skills, land high-paying jobs, and skip the student loan nightmare. Hear from someone who's been there—an actual student or recent grad who got hands-on training, had tuition covered, and came out j...

Overview of the skilled trades landscape today. Address misconception and stigma around trade careers including stats around demand & wages. Discussion with a trade worker to find out what’s in it for them.