In this episode we discover...
- Neal Tomblyn's experience at Lockheed Martin with aviation/space systems.
- What Lockheed looks for as far as talent.
- The skilled labor gap and supply chain issues.
- The way the labor pool has shifted for employers and employees.
- Trade companies prefer finite skills over a broader education.
- Neal's advice for high school parents regarding career choice and exploration for their child.

In this episode we discover...

- An inside look to current STRAC Institute student David Vega's life and upbringing.

- How our pasts, no matter how turbulent, pushes us in the right direction if we let it. 

- How society takes for granted all of the things that fall into place to simply turn on a light switch. 

- The incredible rise in career changers and what they're searching for. 

Check out David Vega's bio and all other episode's at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast

This episode's guest is Adam DeGraide! Adam is an entrepreneur, speaker, and digital marketing expert, to say the least. He is a three-time Inc 500 Founder who has created more than three-hundred million in equity valuations. He is a self-starter, high school graduate who values a good attitude, skills, and ability. He has employed thousands over his career as a CEO. Thank you Adam!

Stream our other episodes and check out STRAC Institute at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast

In this episode we discover...

- There are extremely limited resources for vocational education grants and scholarships. 

- Ivan and Kelving's experience at STRAC Institute

-Why these students chose STRAC versus other education options

Thank you Ivan and Kelving!

Find more episodes at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast

In this episode we discover...

You will get to meet Markell and Wesley. These are two young men in the middle of their technical training post-high school. We will partake in a great in-depth discussion about their journey to STRAC, thoughts on why they chose the field of electronics, the high cost of college tuition, and student debt. We also discuss their career plans after STRAC. This is a great discussion for high school students, educators, career changers, and technical employers. Thank you Wesley and Markell!

In this episode we discover...

-Insight from David England

-The future of payment processing

-The requirements and skills that are sought after in the hiring process for NCR

-What educators can do to make career options more known

-NCR Corporation

Read David England's bio here.

In this episode we discover...

- Electronics and other certifications are useful to big companies and needed now more than ever

- Lessons learned and insight from Joe Amaral

- A peak into Joe's life and how he navigates post-high school discussions with his sons.

- Talent is sourced from more places than just 4-year degree holders

- Anthem Software

Read Joe Amaral's bio here.

This episode's guest is Megan Herne with AstroNova, Inc. AstroNova is also this weeks co-sponsor!

Megan Herne joined AstroNova, Inc., a global leader in developing and applying data visualization technologies, in 2016 and now serves as the organization’s Human Resources Manager for North America. In this role, Megan is responsible for the development and administration of various human resource plans and procedures and provides guidance to management in a number of areas, including people development, performance management, benefits, compensation, and more. Previously in Megan’s role as Talent Acquisition Manager for Panera Bread/Howley Bread Group, she led the talent acquisition function with staffing responsibility for over 20 cafes.

Megan is dedicated to serving others, both in their educational and professional development and personal lives. She previously served for 3 years as the Director of Programs & Professional Development for the Rhode Island Society of Human Resources Management. In this role, Megan was responsible for the planning and development of all educational and social programming for the organization’s members. Megan currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Davies Career & Technical High School and the Board of Directors at Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island. 

This episode’s guest is Charles Myers! Charles is a decorated 20 year veteran teacher of Construction Technologies. His many professional achievements include winning the 2003 Milken Educator Award, National Grid's Pioneer in Education Award, Woonsocket's Innovation in Education Award, and being named the 2016 CTE Teacher of the Year.  He has experience and/or licenses in multiple Green Construction disciplines including Building Performance Analysis, Solar Hot Water, LEED, and Energy Star Homes. Prior to his teaching career, Charlie supervised construction of multimillion dollar custom homes in southern Rhode Island. He is a dedicated teacher who loves to collaborate on projects that make a positive impact on the community, the school campus, and the lives of students. Charlie looks forward to the work they are doing at Ponaganset, where he can continue to move forward in excellence.

Martin Purin is a Career Advocate for STRAC Institute. He specializes in building relationships with the students as well as the companies who hire them. He gets enjoyment out of helping them find employment and has made a career based on helping others. Martin served over 22 years in the Marine Corps, where he achieved the highest enlisted rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. During his time in the military, he has experienced combat, led others, and changed lives through engaged servant leadership. Today he continues to help others through career development. Martin is originally from the Westbank of New Orleans, enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 17 and graduated from Post University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is passionate about helping others, mentorship, and the development of both kids and adults alike. He coaches flag and tackle football, remains active at church, and believes in giving back. He is driven to be his best for his wife and two sons. 

More info at STRAC Institute.