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1 Entering for every 5 Leaving: Finding Tomorrow’s Workers

⏱️ 41:27 🎀 Eddie Campbell, Jennifer Wilkerson
AUDIO EPISODE
1 Entering for every 5 Leaving: Finding Tomorrow’s Workers
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Chapters

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  • 0:46
    Industry's Labor Shortage
    The hosts introduce the persistent challenge of finding and retaining skilled workers in the construction industry.
  • 5:45
    Jennifer's Background & NCCR
    Jennifer Wilkerson shares her journey from teaching to NCCR, highlighting the organization's mission to improve lives through construction education and her family's welding business.
  • 12:34
    Evolution of Hiring Challenges
    Jennifer discusses how hiring has become more difficult over the years due to a lack of awareness about the trades and the disappearance of shop classes.
  • 21:39
    NCCR's Role in Training
    Jennifer explains how NCCR provides curriculum and credentialing for various craft areas, enabling contractors and educational institutions to train new workers.
  • 34:05
    Engaging Schools & Colleges
    Jennifer emphasizes the importance of collaborating with high schools and community colleges to offer construction programs and attract young people to the trades.
  • 42:55
    Historical Shift from Trades
    Jennifer explains how the post-WWII emphasis on college education led to the decline of vocational training in schools, contributing to today's labor shortage.
  • 49:08
    Call to Action
    Jennifer delivers a powerful message urging the construction industry to actively engage with schools and seize the current opportunity to build the future workforce.

Speakers

E
Eddie Campbell
Host
J
Jennifer Wilkerson
Vice President of Innovation and Advancement at NCCR

Key Takeaways

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Partner with local high schools and community colleges to implement or expand construction training programs using resources like NCCR's curriculum.

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Offer clear career pathways and professional development opportunities to young employees to improve retention and attract new talent.

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Actively mentor and train new hires, leveraging the existing industry knowledge within your team, even if it requires investing in a 'train-the-trainer' program.

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Consider offering pre-apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning (like NCCR's core curriculum) with on-the-job training.

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Engage directly with educational institutions, providing input on curriculum development to ensure programs meet the specific needs of your local market.

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Recognize that not every new hire will be journey-level; invest in entry-level training and be open to hiring individuals with foundational skills from high school or community college programs.

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