Tracie Sponenberg, Chief People Officer of The Granite Group, joins the program to share her perspective on how to support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tracie reveals which industries have fared the best during the pandemic and discusses DisruptHR, an information exchange designed to energize, inform and empower HR professionals.

In part 1 of this 2-part episode, you'll hear from a panel of experts including leaders within New Hampshire's Community College and University systems as they discuss some of the options available at Pinkerton Academy that allow students to earn post-secondary credits while they attend courses offered by the Center for Career and Technical Education. Discover the difference between dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment, and some of the successes and challenges of both.

Dr. Kelly Nye-Lengerman, Director of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, joins the program to discuss her vision for the future of the Institute on Disability, and how her organization supports the full inclusion of individuals living with a disability in all aspects of community life. Dr. Nye-Lengerman also reveals how her previous work experience has informed her thinking about her current role.

In this panel conversation you'll hear from an excerpt of New Hampshire's leading manufacturers and our state's preeminent Manufacturing professional association, the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership, highlighting training and career exploration initiatives that prepare students for a career in manufacturing. Discover how Pinkerton Academy and other New Hampshire students are being positively impacted by manufacturing businesses and the importance of developing a talent pipeline. You'll also learn about how the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for trained manufacturing professionals.

Jim Roche, President of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, joins the program to discuss how his organization advocates for issues that are important to businesses, and the efforts that they make to promote a healthy business climate and robust economic future for New Hampshire.

Tune in for a panel discussion about the connection between the education system and construction industries, and the efforts that are being made to meet industry demands. Discover some of the most common misconceptions about the construction industry, and how to raise awareness among students about available opportunities in the construction trades. The panel also discusses how to recruit and retain women in construction.

Dr. V. Scott Solberg, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Applied Human Development at Boston University, joins the program to provide updates about trends in workforce development, and the connection between social-emotional learning and workforce readiness. Dr. Solberg also reveals best practices in career and technical education, and what we can learn from other countries.

This first episode of Top of the Tower features an interview with Jennifer Haskins, CTE Director at Pinkerton Academy, and Nicole Heimarck, the New Hampshire Career and Technical Education Executive Director, as they discuss the impact of Career and Technical Education within the state of New Hampshire. Discover how career and technical education programs prepare students for post-secondary education, and the importance of engaging with employers and businesses.