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“I Built This!” with Paul Robinson: Where Students Meet the Trades
Founder of ConstructReach, Paul Robinson is the force behind the “I Built This!” experience—live, work-based learning events that bring students behind the construction fence to meet industry pros, try hands-on activities, and see real career paths in action.
In this special episode, Paul shares how “I Built This!” went from a 2019 pilot in Atlanta with Target to a national movement connecting educators, contractors, and young talent. You’ll hear why visibility matters, how seeing people who look like you changes what feels possible, and the wild moment when high schoolers started asking 19- and 20-year-old tradespeople for autographs—proof that new role models are rising. He also previews October events in St. Louis and Cleveland, and the stat that keeps partners coming back: 80% of students leave interested in the opportunities they discover.
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode
00:33 The Birth of "I Built This!" Experience
04:21 Impact on Students and Communities
06:58 Success Stories and Future Events
12:23 Addressing Industry Challenges
15:28 Role of Industry Partners
17:37 Conclusion and Call to Action
Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.
Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com
This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.
As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.
#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach
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By ConstructReachFounder of ConstructReach, Paul Robinson is the force behind the “I Built This!” experience—live, work-based learning events that bring students behind the construction fence to meet industry pros, try hands-on activities, and see real career paths in action.
In this special episode, Paul shares how “I Built This!” went from a 2019 pilot in Atlanta with Target to a national movement connecting educators, contractors, and young talent. You’ll hear why visibility matters, how seeing people who look like you changes what feels possible, and the wild moment when high schoolers started asking 19- and 20-year-old tradespeople for autographs—proof that new role models are rising. He also previews October events in St. Louis and Cleveland, and the stat that keeps partners coming back: 80% of students leave interested in the opportunities they discover.
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode
00:33 The Birth of "I Built This!" Experience
04:21 Impact on Students and Communities
06:58 Success Stories and Future Events
12:23 Addressing Industry Challenges
15:28 Role of Industry Partners
17:37 Conclusion and Call to Action
Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.
Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com
This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.
As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.
#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach