On the final day of National Apprenticeship Week on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast we welcomed Ray Boyd, Director of Education and Training for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), to the podcast to share insights on the UA’s commitment to education, training and building the union's future.

Wrapping up the National Apprenticeship Week coverage on America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Martin Helms, Executive Director of the Helmets to Hardhats program shared the impact of the program, which has successfully connected more than 50,000 military personnel with a rewarding career in the building trades since its inception in 2003.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Danielle Sunley, a journeyperson with United Association Local 137 in Springfield, Ill., joined the podcast to share her journey from aspiring baker to a successful career in the trades. She highlighted some of the opportunities and challenges she faced along the way.

Continuing the America’s Work Force Union Podcast coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, we welcomed Lee Worley, Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training for the Iron Workers Union. Worley, a 37-year veteran of the trade, shared insights into the evolution of the union’s apprenticeship programs and the critical role they play in preparing the next generation of skilled Ironworkers.

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Tony DiPerna, National Director of Apprenticeship and Training at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF). DiPerna discussed the evolving landscape of apprenticeship training and the significant strides made in the diversification and modernization of the masonry trades.

As part of our continued coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explored a partnership to connect Native American communities with the building trades. Joining the discussion were Jason Ehlert, President of the North Dakota State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Iman Moore, Native American Career and Technical Education Project (NACTEP) Project Director, who shared insights into their collaborative efforts to foster apprenticeship opportunities for Native American populations.

On the second day of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, we were joined by John Stahl, the Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund Administrator (IIIATF). He discussed a partnership with the American School Counselor Association to develop a pipeline between public schools and the trades and the Insulators Union’s Master Apprentice Competition (MAC).

Tom Kriger, Director of Research and Education at North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the educational curriculum administered by Apprenticeship Readiness Programs to prepare individuals for a Registered Apprenticeship Program and a future career in the trades.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast kicked off our coverage of National Apprenticeship Week by featuring the Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su, who joined the show to discuss the importance of creating pathways to union jobs through Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Su also explained the difference between being the Labor Secretary Acting Secretary and what she could accomplish in her current role.

Continuing our National Apprenticeship Week coverage, Eric Hill, Executive Director for SkillsUSA Illinois, and Ricardo Aguilar, a student and intern through the Alignment Collaborative for Education (ACE) training program, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the opportunities for high school students to begin workforce training and find a career in the trades after graduation.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the December edition of the American Legion Magazine.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact the Presidential Election could have on retirees.

Kelli Price, Registered Nurse (RN) at Women & Infants Hospital and member of Service Employees Internation Union (SEIU) 1199 New England, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) union staff has already faced from management. She also discussed how these led to an informational picket earlier this week that included more than 1,000 staff at the Rhode Island hospital.

Kelly Yeaney, President, and Jeff Hasty, Vice President nominee, from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Dayton Public Service Union (AFSCME DPSU) Local 101, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Local and the unique challenges during contract negotiations with Montgomery County in Ohio.

Jacob Morrison, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his conversations with building trades unions and government workers about the potential impacts the presidential election results could have on future work projects in Alabama. Morrison also discussed the lessons that unions could learn by examining Alabama’s labor history.

Dr. David Zonderman, Professor of History at North Carolina State University (NC State), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the path forward for the labor movement after many working people felt the political parties were not listening to their concerns.

Alissa Reynolds, a journey-level Ironworker with Iron Workers Local 63, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss her experience as an enlisted soldier with the U.S. Navy and what led her to join the trades. She also talked about the assistance provided by Helmets to Hardhats during the transition and how young veterans can find a home and career in the trades.

Martin Helms, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss his military service and eventual transition to the trades. Helms also discussed Helmets to Hardhats and how the organization helps connect outgoing, active military members with civilian careers in the building trades.

Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and contributor to the OnLabor Blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impacts the presidential election results could have on the National Labor Relation Board (NLRB). He also discussed holes in the National Labor Relation Act that have been exploited by corporations.

Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and David Yoder, Senior Vice President of the Federal Employee Program (FEP) at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the open enrollment period for federal employees and how the FEP helps members simplify navigating their healthcare options.