This episode’s guest is Joel Leonard! Joel is a recognized leader in building pipelines of skilled technicians and helping grow respect and appreciation of the maintenance profession. With over 30 years of professional experience, Joel has helped all types of people, from ex-offenders looking for jobs to C-Suite executives looking for talent, as well as top government and educational leaders looking to grow talent pools to retain and attract employers.

For over 15 years Joel has adopted the skills and maintenance crises as his life's mission. He has spoken at international conferences, spoken before US Congress, on CNBC, and NPR. He created an online TV show, wrote hundreds of columns about solutions to the skills gap, and worked in the trenches of building pipelines of skilled technicians in the aviation, machining, and maintenance sectors. In 2014 Joel helped set up a Makers Space in Greensboro where 16 companies were formed, 9 patents were filed, and over 50 job seekers got employment.

Joel has counseled college presidents, executives, and governmental leaders on how to build a stronger workforce and prepare for future talent needs. Joel is also the creator of the famous Maintenance Crisis song. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJJ_zFvAS1M

This episode’s guest is Shayna D’Albora, the Director of Admissions at STRAC Institute. Prior to joining the team at STRAC, she worked for another national vocational training program. She herself attended a training program rather than opt for a 4-year education and she is passionate about helping people find a career they love!

This episode’s guest is Chris Peters! Chris is the Executive Director of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics, responsible for establishing and growing this organization that helps ensure the U.S. Government has access to resilient and trusted electronics supply chains. Chris Oversees the $42 million Defense Electronics Consortium agreement with the DoD.

Chris has an extensive background in driving the innovation and adoption of solutions throughout manufacturing supply chains. He works with organizations ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 manufacturers and the Department of Defense. Focus areas include:

Through work and participation in the National Defense Industrial Association and the Joint Defense ManTech Panel, Chris has become well-known in the defense manufacturing community. He is a frequent speaker on defense manufacturing supply chains and has written several related papers.

Prior to the US Partnership, Chris Co-founded MetalSite, the world's first industry-backed manufacturing marketplace, funded by five of the country's largest metals producers. The company exceeded all adoption and revenue projections in the first six months and earned a $183 million return on a $20 million investment in the first year. Chris went on to create similar manufacturing consortia in 20 industries throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, fundamentally changing the way that supply chain partners interact. Chris also served in the US Coast Guard. Thank you, Chris!

In this episode we discuss...

- Stephen's high school journey 

- His experience with heading into the workforce right away

- The must-go-to-college narrative

- The benefits of heading straight into the workforce

- A degree in itself is not a guarantee for success 

- Stephen's advice for those without a college degree looking for their path

Find Stephen's bio and more episode's at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast 

In this episode we discuss...

- How Charles initially got involved in electronics

- The benefits of learning by discovery

- Some thoughts on the shift to college-for-all mentality 

- Charles Platts' books and where to find them 

Check out all episode's and Charles' bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast

In this episode we discover...

- Travis' background and professional journey

- The social pressure to go to college 

- Life lessons shared by Travis 

- His experience with his apprenticeship 

- The student loan crisis

- Group think vs thinking independently

Check out Travis Mydlo's bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast 

In this episode we discuss...

- How public high schools are navigating COVID 

- College prep classes vs trades classes

- The benefits of exposing younger generations to career choices

- How a parent is the main influence for future career choices 

- Alex's own children and how he's navigating their post-high school discussions 

Find Alex's bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast 

- Trades math vs traditional math

- Open-minded conversations 

In this episode we discuss...

- Mike Videira's journey with STRAC Institute

- The origin's of STRAC and how it remains successful with keeping up with the industry demand

- Who hires STRAC Institute graduates and what kind of job market that entails 

- The difference between electronics and other trades

- The Chips Act 

- What we can expect from STRAC in 2022

Check out Mike's bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast 

In this episode we discover...

- Jennifer's background and journey teaching the last 30 years

- What can the education systems do to increase career exploration and exposure? 

- Trade school vs college mindset 

- Funding for college vs trades 

- The overbearing college stigma...

- What advice Jenn has for parents of students who are having education options conversations with their children 

Check out Jenn's bio and all other episode's at https://www.stracinstitute.com/podcast/

In this episode we discover...

- Jason's background in the Navy and his interests

- What Jay brings to the table as an alumni and now instructor at STRAC Institute

- How mentorship and leadership of the youth today contribute to the future of tomorrow

- The impact instructors and educators have on their students

Check out Jay's bio and all other episodes at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast