Skilled Nation

Skilled Nation takes you inside the world of high-demand trades—welding, electrical, HVAC, industrial maintenance, and more. Through real stories from graduates and pros, you’ll see how hands-on training can launch you into a high-paying, future-proof career—without the four-year degree and crushing debt. Way of Life, Badge of Honor—this is the real story of building a career, a craft, and a future you’re proud of.

Skilled Nation is a education podcast hosted by Skilled Nation, with 39 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Skilled Nation hosts Skilled Nation, a education show with 39 episodes published.

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  Episode #38

  John Deere Right to Repair: Can Skilled Technicians Finally Compete?

  Oct 3, 202641 minS3

  Do farmers truly own their John Deere equipment if independent technicians cannot access the software required to repair it? Willie Cade, director of the Theo Brown Society and a board member of Repair.org, joins Skilled Nation to explain the fight over John Deere right to repair. He breaks down the proposed $99 million settlement, the FTC’s role, state right-to-repair legislation, equipment ownership, diagnostic software, repair data, and the tools skilled technicians need to compete with authorized dealerships. Willie also discusses how modern tractors have evolved into rolling computers, why experienced diesel mechanics can still be locked out of repairs, and how greater access could create new career and business opportunities for heavy-equipment technicians. From mobile farm repair businesses to equipment that can cost more than $1 million, this conversation explores what right to repair means for farmers, independent repair shops, and the future of the skilled trades. Skilled Nation celebrates the people whose knowledge and hands-on ability keep America running. It’s a way of life and a badge of honor. #RightToRepair #JohnDeere #SkilledTrades #DieselMechanic #HeavyEquipment #FarmEquipment #IndependentRepair #AgriculturalTechnology #RepairTechnician #SkilledNation

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  Episode #37

  One Small Jobsite Mistake Can Cost Thousands | The Rework Tax

  Sep 18, 202632 minS3

  A small mistake on a construction site can become a major expense once the walls close and the next trade moves in. So how can apprentices, journeymen and experienced crews catch problems before they trigger costly rework? Quality assurance inspector and electrical industry professional Will Lane joins Skilled Nation to break down the hidden “rework tax” created by missed details, misunderstood electrical codes, schedule pressure and poor communication. He shares a mistake from his first job as an apprentice, explains why speaking up can protect an entire project and reveals what newer tradespeople can do to earn trust on the job. The conversation also explores Code Buddy, a field tool designed to help construction professionals navigate electrical codes, project specifications and potential quality issues while the work is still accessible. If you are entering the skilled trades, leading a construction crew or working in electrical quality assurance and quality control, this episode shows why asking the right question at the right time can save thousands of dollars. Skilled Nation: A Way of Life. A Badge of Honor. #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #ElectricalApprentice #ConstructionQuality #SkilledNation

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  Episode #36

  Built by Hand: A Skilled Nation Labor Day Special

  Sep 4, 202612 minS3

  This Labor Day, Skilled Nation celebrates the people whose skill, determination and craftsmanship keep America moving. Through stories from welders, electricians, HVAC professionals, builders, fabricators and more, this special episode explores the work happening behind the scenes, the dedication it takes to master a trade, and the pride that comes from building, fixing and creating something that matters. #SkilledNation #LaborDay #SkilledTrades #BlueCollar #SkilledWorkers #TradesCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #Welding #Electricians #HVAC #Construction #MadeInAmerica #CareerTraining #FutureOfWork #essentialworkers

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  Episode #35

  Skip the College-Only Mindset: How to Start a Career in the Skilled Trades

  Aug 27, 202622 minS3

  College isn't the only path to a successful career, but for students interested in construction and the skilled trades, figuring out where to start can be the hardest part. In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy Rhoades talks with Corey Foster, Director of Workforce Development for the Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, about what it really takes to turn an interest in construction into a career. From CTE programs and apprenticeships to transportation, workplace expectations and the skills that can increase earning potential, Cory lays out a practical roadmap for young people considering the trades. They also tackle the questions parents often have about safety, long-term opportunity and career growth, and explain why an apprenticeship can be much more than a first job. Because getting into the industry is only the beginning. The bigger question is: Where could you be 10 years from now? #SkilledTrades #Apprenticeship #ConstructionCareers #CareerAdvice #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledNation

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  Episode #34

  Are We Pushing College Too Soon? The Skilled Careers Kids Never See

  Aug 22, 202633 minS3

  What if we’re asking young people to choose a future before they’ve had the chance to see what’s possible? In this episode of Skilled Nation , host Jimmy Rhoades sits down with Dr. Chad Wilson, Superintendent of the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) , to explore why career exposure needs to start earlier and why college shouldn’t be the only pathway students are encouraged to consider. From career and technical education (CTE) and hands-on learning to industry certifications and real-world experience, Dr. Wilson explains how exposure to different careers can help students discover strengths, interests, and opportunities they may never encounter in a traditional classroom. The conversation explores what it really means to be career-ready , how modern CTE has evolved far beyond the vocational programs many adults remember, and why parents, educators, and industry professionals all have a role to play in expanding what young people believe is possible. They also look at where skilled work is headed as AI, automation, technology, and workforce shortages reshape the labor market, and why careers in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction, automotive, advanced manufacturing, and other skilled trades may offer opportunities many students and families haven't considered. Along the way, Dr. Wilson shares stories that challenge assumptions about how students learn, what career success can look like, and where technical skills can ultimately take someone. Because before a student can choose the right path, they first have to know that path exists. #SkilledTrades #CareerTechnicalEducation #CTE #CareerReadiness #TradeCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledNation #EVIT

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