Every career journey begins with a story.

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly A. Moore, National Executive Director of the Clean Technology Training Trust (CTTT), sits down with Aaron Jones, Regional Organizer for the IBEW 9th District, to explore the experiences that shaped his life, his leadership, and his commitment to strengthening America's workforce.

Aaron reflects on growing up in a family with deep union roots, the values that influenced his path, and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. He shares how his career has evolved into one focused on creating opportunities for others—connecting workers to meaningful careers, helping employers develop skilled talent, and strengthening communities through registered apprenticeships and the skilled trades.

The conversation explores the power of mentorship, the importance of organized labor, and why collaboration between labor, employers, educators, and workforce organizations is essential to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.

Whether you're an IBEW member, employer, apprenticeship leader, workforce development professional, educator, or someone interested in the future of the skilled trades, this episode offers an authentic look at how personal purpose can create lasting impact.

Topics Discussed
• Aaron Jones' leadership journey
• Family legacy and union values
• IBEW and organized labor
• Registered apprenticeships
• Workforce development
• Skilled trades careers
• Employer partnerships
• Mentorship and leadership
• Building America's future workforce

Subscribe to Apprenticeships WORK! for conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of workforce development, registered apprenticeships, and America's skilled workforce.

What happens when a family legacy of craftsmanship, service, and leadership spans three generations?

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, host Dr. Kimberly A. Moore sits down with Austin Keyser, a third-generation IBEW member, International Vice President for the 4th District, and Board Member of the Clean Technology Training Trust, to discuss his remarkable journey from working in electrical construction to helping lead one of the nation's most respected labor organizations.

Austin shares how growing up in an IBEW family shaped his values, the lessons he learned working in the construction industry, and why apprenticeship continues to be the foundation for developing highly skilled professionals and future leaders.

In this episode, you'll discover:

⚡ What it means to carry on a three-generation IBEW legacy
⚡ How construction shaped Austin's leadership philosophy
⚡ Why apprenticeship is more than workforce training—it's a pathway to leadership and economic mobility
⚡ The workforce opportunities and challenges facing today's electrical industry
⚡ Why collaboration between labor, industry, education, and workforce partners has never been more important
⚡ What continues to inspire Austin to create opportunities that change lives

Austin's story demonstrates that apprenticeship builds much more than technical skills—it builds confidence, character, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Whether you're an apprentice, contractor, employer, educator, workforce professional, or industry leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into how apprenticeship continues to strengthen America's workforce and communities.

🎧 Listen today and discover why Apprenticeships WORK!

➡️ Follow the podcast for inspiring conversations with national leaders advancing registered apprenticeship, workforce innovation, labor-management partnerships, and the future of skilled trades.

 #ApprenticeshipsWORK #AustinKeyser #IBEW #ThirdGeneration #Construction #RegisteredApprenticeship #ElectricalIndustry #SkilledTrades #Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #EarnWhileYouLearn #LaborLeadership 

What does it take to build the workforce of tomorrow?

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly Moore sits down with Bob Brock, IBEW Regional Organizing Coordinator, to discuss labor leadership, organizing, registered apprenticeship, and why skilled trades remain one of America’s most powerful career pathways.

A timely conversation for workforce leaders, employers, educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about building stronger talent pipelines.

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly Moore sits down with Emily Marino, Deputy Director of New Energy New York at Binghamton University, to explore how we build a workforce ready for the future of clean energy.

As battery manufacturing, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing continue to expand, the demand for a skilled workforce is accelerating. This conversation highlights how regional innovation ecosystems are aligning research, industry, and workforce systems to create scalable talent pipelines.

Listeners will gain insight into:

•  Clean energy workforce development strategies 
•  Battery manufacturing and energy storage careers 
•  The role of cross-sector collaboration in building talent pipelines 
•  How education, industry, and workforce systems must align to meet demand 

Apprenticeships WORK! brings together leaders from across sectors to share real-world solutions shaping the future of work.

🎧 Follow, rate, and share to stay connected to the latest in workforce innovation.

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly Moore sits down with Mike Partin to discuss workforce challenges facing electric cooperatives amid electrification and grid modernization.

Topics include rural workforce strain, talent pipeline development, technology advancing faster than training systems, registered apprenticeships as a learn-and-earn solution, and long-term workforce sustainability.

This conversation explores how nationally registered apprenticeships can power America’s energy transition while strengthening rural communities.

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly A. Moore speaks with Senator Cory McCray about how a union-based registered apprenticeship transformed his life — creating economic mobility, early homeownership, and a pathway into public service.

Now a legislative leader championing workforce policy, Senator McCray shares insights on workforce development as community uplift, policy reform, barriers to entry in skilled trades, cross-sector collaboration, and the future of equitable apprenticeship ecosystems.

This episode is essential for employers, policymakers, educators, labor leaders, and workforce practitioners committed to building inclusive talent pipelines.

In this inaugural episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, we launch a national conversation on why apprenticeships are one of the most powerful, proven strategies for building a skilled, future-ready workforce.

In this candid discussion, the Dave Reaves, Chairman, Clean Technology Training Trust shares leadership insights on the current workforce landscape, the growing demand for employer-driven talent pipelines, and why apprenticeships are delivering results for businesses, workers, and communities alike. The conversation explores how apprenticeships align education and industry, reduce time-to-fill for critical roles, and create equitable, earn-and-learn pathways into high-quality careers.

Listeners will hear reflections on leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and the role of labor, employers, and education partners in scaling what works. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about apprenticeships, what it takes to move from pilot programs to sustainable systems, and why this moment demands bold, coordinated action.

Whether you’re an employer, policymaker, workforce leader, educator, or labor partner, this episode sets the foundation for understanding why apprenticeships aren’t a trend—they’re a solution.