Talking Training With The Trades

Alex Torres is the Executive Director of Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles (W.I.N.T.E.R.), an organization that focuses on improving access to high-wage, non-traditional employment for women and youth. Since taking the reins in 2003, she has led a complete transformation of the organization to become more mission-driven and quality-focused. Listen in as we discuss Alex's path to leading W.I.N.T.E.R. and what she learned about unions and apprenticeship programs along the way. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ziTXvb

Darlene Leineweber is a 3rd generation journeywoman at IBEW Chicago Local 134 and the founder of Trade Women Chat, a Facebook community that is 4,300 members strong. She has a really interesting perspective on women in the trades, and she joins us today to dive into the challenges that tradeswomen face and the community they have built to overcome those challenges. Listen in as Darlene shares why she started Trade Women Chat, how it has grown since its inception, and where the future lies for the community, as well as women in the trades. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3DxWogM

Melissa Shetler is the Executive Director of Pathways To Apprenticeship (P2A), an apprenticeship program that works to end intergenerational poverty through access to middle-class union careers. A tireless advocate for worker rights and a committed facilitator of community-labor partnerships, Melissa has a long history of activism and community-building in New York City. Listen in as we discuss how P2A successfully trains and places hundreds of New York City residents in union careers, as well as how they train participants to not only become apprentices, but also activists. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3jYzkyK

Josh Kalina is the Region A Training Coordinator for Iron Workers Union Local 512 based out of St. Paul, Minnesota. In this episode, we're talking about what being a new training coordinator is like, some of the challenges that the training program has faced due to the pandemic, and how they overcame those challenges and actually improved upon the training program. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/37i10c3

Pat Williams began in the trades in 1979, after having obtained a B.A. degree and working in the social work field. Having dual passions in advocating for people and mechanical hands-on interests served her well. During her 32 years as a Stationary Operating Engineer, she held many positions of leadership professionally, including Vice President of her Local, and in the community. Today Pat joins the show to discuss her advocacy for women in the trades, as well as her work with KickAss Careers and Tradeswomen's Archive at California State University, which she co-founded. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3xXyzvt 

Jillian Otten is the Director of USA Digital Media, a boutique advertising agency specializing in strategic communications that services labor unions and apprenticeship programs nationwide. She joins us today to discuss all things communication and social media strategy for apprenticeship programs. Listen in as Jillian shares some of the most surprising results she has seen in social media campaigns, the things apprenticeship programs should avoid when it comes to social media, and how to know whether your communications strategy is actually working. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/36vZIK8

Understanding how the Americans with Disabilities Act affects a JETC is key because, at the law firm, we do see issues regarding this come up a lot with training programs. So in this episode, Abby and Jason will be sharing an overview of the ADA and breaking down the key areas where it comes into play.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3dd9QLB

Has your program been struggling with community engagement and recruiting? If so, then you won't want to miss this conversation with Chris Busch, who joins the show today to share important insight into the strategies that really work to bring results that help a program thrive. With the new regulations that require increased diversity and collaborations with the community, you will learn how to navigate this properly and effectively. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3wa935s

Typically, when someone enters an apprenticeship program, they may be excited about the benefits but not necessarily thinking about retirement right away. Joining the show today is Joshua Davis, former Air Force officer who consults for multi-employer pension plan funds in various industries. He will be sharing tips on how and when to best educate trainees so they end up with a respectable and successful retirement plan. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3fjTTV7

Going through an audit is much easier if you have put in place systems, documents and protective practices. On this episode, we are joined again by two guys who have been on the show to share their knowledge and tips on audits before. Chip Harris, Partner and Chairman of the Benefit Plan Audit Services Group at Ruben Brown in Kansas City and Glenn Goodnough, Managing Partner of the Las Vegas area Rubin Brown Office. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3w7FfWF

While working on a home renovation project, Tarn Goelling discovered an interest in the trades and dove into learning more. She became an inside wire woman, then later an international representative for IBEW. Tarn now serves as the Director of Civic and Community Engagement with IBEW and joins us on the show to share tips and insight straight from her experience and successes in the area of engaging inside and outside the organization. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2SjSzIT

Pete Teigland is Training Director and an Instructor in the Ironworkers Local #512 Apprentice Program, where he was first accepted as an apprentice in 1993 after getting a degree in Construction Management. He worked in the field for 20 years and has a rich history and unique perspective on the industry. In this episode, Pete shares his wisdom on how the Apprentice Program is trying to attract a more diverse applicant pool, the challenges they face in doing so, and what they are doing to overcome those challenges. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3d4bKhV

Mike Carson is the Training Director of Cedar Rapids Electrical Apprenticeship, which offers individuals the opportunity to “earn while they learn” and gain experience under the supervision of an experienced journeyperson. Mike has held this position for fifteen years, and worked in the commercial/industrial electrical industry for 26 years prior. In this episode, we talk about how Cedar Rapids Electrical JATC dealt with the pandemic and balanced the desire for apprentices to learn with the need to keep everyone safe. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3m7i4YR

Chip Harris is a Partner in RubinBrown’s Assurance Services Group and Chair of RubinBrown’s Benefit Plan Audit Services Group, which provides employee benefit plan audit services across the country to more than 300 plans per year. Glenn Goodnough is the Managing Partner for RubinBrown’s Las Vegas office, as well as a Partner in RubinBrown’s Assurance Services Group, providing audit, tax, and consulting services to numerous employee benefit plan audits. Both Chip and Glenn bring years of experience with them in the employee benefit plan space, and they join us today to talk about what sets Taft-Hartley plans apart from the rest, what they see as the most common risks and opportunities in benefit plans, and where they recommend starting if your plan needs an overhaul or clean-up.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/38L2z3f

Mariellie Mundy is the founder and CEO of the Mariellie Mundy Company, an organization that helps entrepreneurs and founders build professional transferable value within their business. She previously served as the CFO of Miller Electric Company and WPC Industrial, and was the Vice President of Finance and Accounting for The Pineapple Corporation of Northern Florida. In this episode, Mariellie shares why financial wellness is so important—especially when it comes to those within the construction and trades industry—and gives insight into where to start crunching the numbers. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3e3z93G

In today’s episode, Jennifer is back to speak with Jason Kotlyarov about military rights with apprentices and how that impacts your apprenticeship program. She and Jason dive into important background information on USERRA, as well as some commonly unknown aspects of it that you should be aware of. You’ll learn the various conditions that are important to remember from onboarding new members to giving notice or allowing for military leave.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3s2VRgi

Joe Cadwell is a retired commercial diver with 35 years in the trade and over ten thousand hours logged underwater. He is presently employed by the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute, based in Portland Oregon, as an apprentice coordinator and instructor. A passionate advocate for education, leadership development, and professionalism in the trades, Joe joins the show today to discuss why the younger generation has an amazing opportunity to be great leaders and why it is no longer enough to simply be skilled at your craft. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3pAUsMU 

Kilah Engelke began her career in construction intending to fund her college education. Having always been competitive and an athlete, she took an immediate liking to the challenging and fast-paced environment, and has now been in the industry for 22 years. Now Kilah proudly serves as Business Agent and Recording Secretary for OPCMIA Local 599, she joins the show today to discuss her passion for empowering women to get into trades. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3nPY8Jj 

Jay Rowell of HIRE360 joins the show today to discuss all things recruitment, training, job placement, diversity, and more. He has done a lot of work focusing on connecting people with opportunities and ensuring that these opportunities are more widely accessible to a variety of people, and he has some great knowledge to share. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3hz6AuU

We’re back for the second half of my discussion with Jason Kotlyarov from Germaine Law Firm about cyber security. In this episode, Jason outlines how to best manage the risks that your apprenticeship program may face. He gives some really important insight on how you can better equip yourself to avoid these risks in the first place and keep your program secure. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3mBVlTm

Jason Kotlyarov is an attorney with Germaine Law Firm and an expert on all things cybersecurity. He’s joining me today for part one of a two-part interview focusing on how apprenticeship programs across the nation can protect themselves from cyber-attacks. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3m2Q1b9 

We’re focusing in on Wisconsin today with Tim Anhalt, the Training Director at Wisconsin NECA-IBEW Apprenticeship and Training. Tim has been with the electrical industry since 1993, but had a rather unique journey to get there. From a military career right after high school, and then through college, to eventually landing in the telecommunications industry, he found the opportunity to work with the apprenticeship program and combine his hands-on experience with his background in education. Listen in as Tim shares how Wisconsin is unique in the way they have structured their training programs, especially given the diverse topography and demography of the state.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3lrcS0K

Today, I have the pleasure of talking with Dan Bukiewicz, President of the Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council, about the Code of Distinction that has been put in place in Milwaukee and why it is so important to enhance and sell your value. Dan compares the trades business to the major leagues and discusses the important areas that need to be focused on that will transform the industry in the future. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/32fVZym

Gene Kent is the Director of the IBEW NECA Technical Institute out of Chicago with Local 134, as well as the Director of Apprenticeship at Powering Chicago. With his 24 years of experience in the field, he has a wealth of knowledge about going big with recruitment for apprenticeship programs and changing the narrative on trade careers, which is exactly what he is here to talk about today. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/35D2PPc

Jennifer Sherer, PhD, is the Director of The University of Iowa Labor Center. Over the past year, she directed the launch of the Labor Center’s new state-wide Quality Pre-apprenticeship Program, which actively recruits women and workers of color to prepare for apprenticeship training. Today she joins the show to discuss their plans to launch a network of Iowa Women in the Trades and shares how we can start needed conversations about equal opportunities and equity within the labor market. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2FeUHvg 

My two guests today are what I refer to as relationship experts in the banking world for multi-employer plans. Mark Rathbun and Crystal Edwards have a lot of experience in multi-employer funds, what those relationships look like and how they provide assistance to the clients they work for. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3j513vY

With a lack of hands-on training on the job being so common, virtual reality simulations are becoming one of the most important solutions to break into the field. So in this episode, I will be discussing this technology with Doug Donovan, the CEO and co-founder of Interplay Learning, an online learning platform designed specifically for the skilled trades. Doug shares insight into this area of tech and explains how it has developed over the last few years to include the trades. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ktdnq9

*Back by popular demand* Did you know that the average person makes 35,000 decisions in a day? Additionally, our decision making power diminishes the more we have to decide, which is why having the right systems, policies, and procedures in place can give your apprenticeship program an incredible edge. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/32houfn 

*Back by popular demand* Today Dr. John Gaal and I continue our conversation and dive into some major issues in the construction industry and trade programs. In this episode, you’ll hear about the importance of understanding the role of mental health and financial literacy in trade work. John and I discuss the different ways these issues pop up and the massive benefit that comes with providing thoughtful solutions that attract, retain, and nurture safety and productive work. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3gTeld6 

*Back by popular demand* Today I am joined by Sam Henson, Senior Vice President and Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for Lockton Companies. After spending almost ten years with the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, Sam has conducted more than 150 civil and criminal investigations of employee benefits plans, service providers, and fiduciaries. In this episode, he shares what it was like to be a DOL investigator, what actually happens during DOL audits, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2G7oOoJ   

*Back by popular demand* Listen in as I share my story and why I decided to start this podcast, as well as the importance of storytelling when looking to influence and engage people in your apprenticeship program. Listen in to learn how to find great stories, the key components of an effective story, and the science behind why storytelling works to gain influence, focus, and transformation. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/32dHB8X 

Rob Giese is the Director of Training for Greater Wisconsin carpenters and has nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Rob believes that providing well-trained tradespeople to help shape the communities they live in starts with healthy, personal relationships in their training center. Today he joins the show to discuss the value in excellent customer service and taking care of each other. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3iESjw3 

Today we are talking to a risk management associate who regularly works with apprenticeship programs, Michael La Fleur. With over 30 years of insurance industry experience, Michael specializes in risk transfer for labor management and nonprofit organizations. He joins the show today to answer common questions regarding this pandemic and how it impacts insurance, as well as how to protect yourself from risk in general. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/31mR8ud 

Though audits are important and necessary, they are often met with dread and unease. But the truth is, audits can help you grow and become better at what you do. Chris Wassenaar, an auditor with DeBoer, has seen this firsthand, and he joins me to discuss the role of an auditor, as well as how audits can reveal important information that will help your program thrive. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/30YkLlb

Today I have attorney Mike Ledbetter here to discuss health and welfare funds and how they work within apprenticeship programs. Mike is a partner in the law firm Ledbetter Parisi LLC, which specializes in the representation of multi-employer benefit funds—primarily construction industry plans located in the Midwest. Mike has spent 25 years working in the industry and devotes 100% of his professional practice to Taft-Hartley trusts. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/32BVYWw 

How will we continue preparing our students for future careers when we can no longer meet with them face to face in classroom settings? Thomas Pfundstein, Ph.D., has been unknowingly preparing for this for years. With over 15 years of experience in education, Thomas is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Finishing Trades Institute. Today he joins the show to discuss his specific interest in online education and how we can leverage technology to increase academic content standards. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/32uByP1 

Today, I’m excited to be talking to Ryan Bradt, Assistant Training Director at Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (PSEJATC). Ryan has worked in apprenticeship since 2005 as an instructor and a program administrator, and he will be sharing his wealth of knowledge on the industry. Specifically, he will share how he got his team through COVID and what they are planning for the future as we pull out of this. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3feGye9

Thomas Fischer, Executive Director of the North Atlantic Carpenters Training Fund, joins me today to share his story and shed some light on how to create impactful learning experiences in the trades. Today he shares how he handles competency-based instruction within his training programs, as well as observations and evaluations from his instructors that have paid off massively over the years. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2ZsFblt

Joining us today is the Director of Apprenticeship for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 81, Howard Baker. With years of experience, Howard has navigated the current situation with the pandemic remarkably well. In this episode, he shares the steps he has taken to ensure his apprentices are still working toward their goals despite the setbacks of COVID. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2NyEAsQ 

Today we are discussing collecting procedures for your apprenticeship program. Your board of directors is going to be responsible for the money owed—regardless of whether or not you are getting that information—so it is important to put policies in place to protect your company. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2zGTOJe 

When I am working with leaders of an apprenticeship program, the first thing we work on is how to clarify their priorities. Whether they are working on strategic planning or goal setting, we go through what this may look like on a broader scale. So today I want to discuss the things you should be focusing on every single week to move your program forward and reach your goals—something I call “minding your GAP.” You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3f6pvKW 

How can you be certain your service providers are qualified to be working for your apprenticeship program? Today I want to share the steps you can take to ensure your service provider is giving you all the information you require to avoid any unnecessary risks. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2XrQNpl 

What happens if your apprentice is concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 on the job site because s/he has a preexisting condition or a family member with a compromised immune system? In this episode, I want to share some information surrounding this question as we move forward through this ever-changing pandemic. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Ma9WFy 

Many of you have switched up the way you are providing your education during COVID-19. You may be holding off on your training, or potentially waiting to go back online shortly. Whatever the case, I want to touch base on experiences within your apprenticeship program and explain how to create something unique and memorable for those who are coming in and training with you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2WRwMI9 

When we see a downturn in the economy, we usually also see an increase in litigation. It’s an unfortunate truth that must be addressed and prepared for, so today I’m talking all about what to expect in the near future in this area, as well as what you can do to protect your program. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2zCokDD

I’ve had many conversations about the biggest issues people have been facing recently, and today I want to address some of those. At this point, we have gotten past the initial reactions to the COVID pandemic, and we are looking toward the future in regards to potential issues and possibilities. So in this episode, I’m going to cover what training will look like moving forward, how to keep people safe, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Wd8NTI

In the midst of this pandemic crisis where so many people are affected by lay-offs or changes in their industry, a lot of you have reached out to me regarding mental health and the resources available for this stressful time. It is so important for everyone’s struggles to be acknowledged and addressed properly, so today I will be discussing the mental health issues people are running into at this time and sharing some valuable resources to help. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2YqC6DS

Matt Waltz and Tracey Griffith join me today to discuss how to increase diversity using strategic recruitment initiatives in the building trades. Matt is the Chief Operating Officer for WRTP/BIG STEP, a workforce intermediary dedicated to connecting individuals to family-sustaining jobs, and Tracey Griffith is the HR Outreach Manager with Construction Resource Management Inc., whose roles include affirmative action, apprenticeship compliance, community outreach, recruitment, and retention.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2xQNxK0

Today we are going to be addressing a question we recently received regarding how best to support immigrant employees during this global pandemic. Here to help me answer this question and dive into this topic is Tina Hughes, a passionate advocate and representative of immigrants who exclusively practices immigration law. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2XHMBCg 

Alex Willis is the CEO of Leadership Surge, where he provides a leadership development program that trains employees in the trades industry to become exceptional leaders. By focusing on areas such as effective communication and performance coaching, Alex teaches people how to make their projects successful, profitable, and safe. Today, he joins the show to share some of his best advice on how to do the same for your program. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2xh1twz 

As we progress further into this pandemic and steady work becomes a little more uncertain, I want to discuss two different acts that recently came out and how to utilize them within your apprenticeship program. From quarantined employees to employees infected with COVID-19, there are now emergency funds that can be used to help your employees. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2JwTCxq