Skilled Nation

Episode 11: TradeMentor.org: The Missing Map to the Skilled Trades (Audio)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:01:37 -0700

Too many students and parents can’t find clear, trustworthy guidance on trade careers. In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy talks with Doug Winston, founder of TradeMentor.org, about why schools often push “college first,” what a real apprenticeship looks like, and why demand is surging in electrical, lineman work, welding, HVAC, and manufacturing. Doug shares how TradeMentor.org connects people with vetted industry mentors who provide real, local guidance to help them choose a path and start a skilled career with confidence.

Episode 10: Rescue Renovation to Real Impact with Kayleen McCabe (Audio)

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:13:11 -0700

Builder and TV host Kayleen McCabe talks about finding purpose in the trades, growing through mentorship, and turning craft into career. She shares lessons on resilience, innovation, and expanding opportunities for the next generation in construction.

Episode 9: Next Gen Voices Part 2: Built by Skill. Where Creativity Meets Craft (Audio)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:46:43 -0700

Skilled work is evolving and the next generation is building careers in places most people never think to look. From fabrication and engineering to fire, logistics, and immersive production, this is where creativity and technical skill collide. Ryan Tucknott, Director of Business Development explains how innovators like Walter Productions are turning raw materials, bold ideas, and hands-on expertise into unforgettable real-world experiences. Because today’s skilled careers aren’t just about building structures, they’re about building worlds.

Episode 9: Next Gen Voices Part 1: Built by Skill — Lizeth Rivas’ Journey into Aerospace Welding (Audio)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:25:57 -0700

Lizeth Rivas didn’t start in the trades, but she found her calling there. From discovering a fully funded welding scholarship to building a career in aerospace, Lizeth shares how hands-on skill, resilience, and belief in herself changed her life. This episode dives into precision, passion, community, and the message that skilled trades are open to anyone ready to learn, grow, and build something real.

Skilled Nation: The Future Is Built Here (Audio)

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:44:15 -0700

In Season One, Skilled Nation shared real stories from graduates and pros across welding, electrical, HVAC, lineman, and more, revealing how trade school skills launch high-paying, future-proof careers.

Season Two takes it further, spotlighting industry leaders, innovation, and the next generation of skilled workers shaping fields from motorsports to aerospace. Because skilled trades aren’t just careers, they’re a way of life, a badge of honor.

Episode 8: Inside Admissions – Guiding the Next Generation (Audio)

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:09:58 -0700

In this episode of Skilled Nation, we sit down with two admissions counselors from Tulsa Welding School’s Jacksonville campus to explore how they help students take that first step into the trades. From breaking misconceptions to sharing the life-changing moments they witness every day this episode reveals the people and passion behind starting a skilled career.

Episode 7: Power Up: Inside Smart Home & Energy Systems (Audio)

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:54:30 -0700

Today’s electricians aren’t just wiring houses, they’re shaping the future of smart homes, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable power solutions. In this episode, hear from an electrical trade graduate working on cutting-edge projects like EV charger installations, solar integrations, and home automation systems. Discover how electrical skills translate into futureproof, high-demand careers.

Episode 6: The Backbone of Industry: Inside Advanced Industrial Maintenance (Audio)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:07:16 -0700

This episode dives into the world of AIMT—where tech, mechanics, and problem-solving collide. Learn how advanced maintenance techs keep factories, robotics, and automated systems running, and why this high-demand career could be your path to a future-proof, high-paying job.

Episode 5: Wired (Audio)

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:37:12 -0700

This episode explores the real-world benefits of a career in electrical. From trade school to job site, our guest shares what it takes to succeed, the earning potential, and why becoming an electrician is a smart, secure move for anyone ready to build a future with their hands—and their head.

Episode 4: Burn Bright: The Welding Life (Audio)

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:50:21 -0700

We dive into the world of welding—where skill meets fire and the payoff is real. Hear how one grad turned hands-on training into a high-paying, high-demand career, and why welding might be the ultimate trade for those who like heat, hustle, and building things that last.

Episode 3: Voices from the Field (Audio)

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:38:18 -0700

Tradespeople share “What’s in my toolbox?” Cover what a typical day looks like, what they love about their work and what they wish others knew. Great design opportunity to bring environments to life.

Episode 2: From Classroom to the Paycheck (Audio)

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:33:33 -0700

Forget the four-year debt trap. This episode is all about the fast track from learning to earning. We break down how trade schools and real-world apprenticeships are helping guys like you build serious skills, land high-paying jobs, and skip the student loan nightmare.

Hear from someone who's been there—an actual student or recent grad who got hands-on training, had tuition covered, and came out job-ready thanks to sponsor-backed programs. We'll talk tools, tech, and the kind of mentorship that actually leads somewhere.

Episode 1: Rebuilding the American Dream: The New Face of Skilled Trades (Audio)

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:30:23 -0700

Overview of the skilled trades landscape today. Address misconception and stigma around trade careers including stats around demand & wages. Discussion with a trade worker to find out what’s in it for them.