This episode is part of our Skilled Labor Series hosted by MCJ partner, Yin Lu. This series is focused on amplifying the voices of folks from the skilled labor workforce, including electricians, farmers, ranchers, HVAC installers, and others who are on the front lines of rewiring our infrastructure.

Christof Franzsen is head of the Apprenticeship Program at Forge, a residential construction company based out of Boston, Massachusetts. 

In this episode, we learn how this novel program is being designed to meet the growing job demands in the residential construction industry through small cohort-based learning versus the traditional one-on-one model. They do this through a super intentional focus on mastering four skills: windows, cabinet, trim and door installations. Forge uses video technology to help apprentices get more face time with seasoned mentors while on the job. We also learn about Christof's journey leaving his job as an actuary to take a risk in becoming a carpenter and finding his way to becoming an instructor of woodworking. Enjoy the show!  

In this episode, we cover: 

• [01:53]: Overview of Forge and its focus on workforce development
• [02:58]: Forge’s services
• [04:18]: Forge’s Apprenticeship Program
• [05:46]: Joining a crew as an apprentice and on-the-job training
• [08:55]: The traditional path to becoming a carpenter and drawbacks of one-on-one training
• [11:29]: The diversity of applicants to Forge’s Apprenticeship Program
• [12:44]: Christof’s background and connection to carpentry
• [16:01]: His transition from a white-collar career to woodworking
• [17:06]: How Forge measures success: crew contribution, financial performance, and a happy workforce
• [20:45]: How Forge supports apprentices financially during their training
• [22:50]: Key elements of Forge’s apprenticeship curriculum
• [26:23]: How climate change figures into Forge’s work
• [27:49]: The company’s aim to reduce climate impact through reduced drive time, accurate measurements, technology, and creating a trained skilled labor force

Get connected: 
Forge Instagram / LinkedIn
Yin Twitter / LinkedIn
MCJ Podcast / Collective

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Episode recorded on Jun 28, 2023 (Published on Jul 27, 2023)

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*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant