Hosts Will and Terry discuss construction workforce recruiting, arguing that young people aren’t lazy but approach work differently due to technology and changing expectations. Terry, now at the University of Oklahoma after OSU, shares how many students secure internships as early as freshman year and how companies that show loyalty often lock in top talent through repeat internships and part-time school-year work, with average starting salaries around $74,000 for OU grads. They emphasize culture fit, reputation, and being present at career fairs, including sending relatable recent graduates and providing branded swag. Terry explains what a formalized internship program can include—rotations through PM, superintendent, estimating, and presentations—and warns that poor intern treatment travels by word of mouth. They also cover licensed trades pathways in Oklahoma, merit vs. hour-based licensure, and the need for continuing education as technology changes.

00:00 Introduction

01:58 Nobody Wants to Work

03:22 Dad Jobsite Lessons

05:57 Gen Z Work Styles

07:25 Recruiting Top Talent Early

11:03 Culture and Loyalty

12:26 Building Internship Programs

16:30 Career Fairs and Headhunters

19:26 Pay Expectations and Degrees

21:49 Schools as Talent Pipeline

25:21 Speaking to Student Entrepreneurs

26:01 Employer Red Flags

26:55 Intern Feedback Loop

28:44 Trade Licensing Pathways

31:53 Merit vs Hour Requirements

33:30 Modernizing Licensure

38:19 Merit Based Storytime

43:52 Career Fairs and Branding

46:16 Recruiting Future Trends

50:41 Treat Hiring Like Sales

53:18 Conclusion

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Contractors Kick Ass!

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