Today we’re talking to Jennifer Wilkerson of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, where she’s now the Vice President of Innovation and Advancement. Our conversation today focuses on the recruitment and training of tomorrow’s skilled trades workforce.

01:20 - TSwift, JWilk, and the Family Welding Business
We recorded this episode pre-Superbowl, so we start out with Tyler’s speculations about a potential earth-shaking breakup that might follow the game.

Jennifer shares with us about her path from aspiring financial advisor to high school English teacher to VP of Innovation and Advancement at the NCCER. She’s now been with NCCER for 14 years.

Tyler asks Jennifer to share about how hiring has changed since the days when she and her husband started their welding business. She discusses the cultural shifts that have made it necessary to have a greater amount of structured training.

08:15 - Poaching and Jumping
Eddie refers to the retention challenges that employers face, and we discuss employee etiquette. The job market makes it a serious challenge.

Jennifer points out how much of a teacher mindset many tradespeople have. We share about how we’ve seen that within ABSI.

12:53 - NCCER
Jennifer outlines what the NCCER offers. Much of their work has to do with guiding contractors toward the rich network of organizations that can provide them with support in hiring and training employees as well as other aspects of managing their business.

She points out that many community colleges and high schools are experiencing a long-overdue pendulum swing back toward training for the trades. She mentions the spirit of cooperation at a recent American Association of Community Colleges conference.

Jennifer mentions that employers need to adjust their expectations as far as how much experience they can expect workers to have when they enter. Many of these incoming workers will have training that is wide but shallow. Employers need to be prepared to fill the gaps.

17:10 - High Schools and Shop Class
Tyler asks about the responsiveness of high schools to the return to an emphasis on shop classes. Jennifer shares how the NCCER helps high schools navigate this process.

The need is clearly there, but the infrastructure has deteriorated and significant cultural attitudes need to be addressed. Jennifer explains how culture defined success after WWII and how it has developed since then.

Eddie asks about the differences in employee demand between different regions and markets. Jennifer shares some insights on this and also touches on the advancement opportunities present within construction–including owning your own business.

25:50 - Colleges
Tyler discusses the structure of college curricula and how it provides a perceived path toward a career. He sees this as a weak point in the construction industry. Eddie talks about his son’s recent experience with a surveyor.

Jennifer shares about the fact that contractors don’t know how to reach out to schools. She discusses the persistence required to make these connections.

31:15 - Urgency and How to Take Action
Eddie asks Jennifer for some numbers. She shares these troubling ones:
-By 2025, 25% of the current workforce will retire.
-By 2028, it will be 30%. That’s almost a third of the workforce.
-For every 5 people that retire out of construction, only 1 is entering.

She points out that we have to establish a consistent presence in the schools. Eddie points out that Gen Z seems to have a “Show me the money” attitude.

Tyler asks Jennifer for action points for contractors seeking young workers, and she encourages them to go to BYF.org, NCCER’s site designed to help people build their future. The site contains packets of activities and materials for career days.

Tyler mentions the Heavy Metal Summer Experience that we discussed with Angie Simon.

Jennifer also suggests that you ask about helping math teachers with lessons that are connected to workplace application.

39:48 - Megaphone Message
Here’s Jennifer’s message to the construction industry: Carpe diem. Seize the day. Build something that will last longer than you. This is the time. Get off your a**. Get on your feet and go visit your local schools. Do something to address this problem.

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