Careers in manufacturing and skilled trades jobs are booming. Roger Atkins (NTMA) joins Andrew Brown to discuss manufacturing apprenticeship programs, reshoring manufacturing USA, and high paying trade careers.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Roger Atkins, President of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA), to explore how today’s skilled trades jobs are shaping the future of the trades industry. From the growth of manufacturing apprenticeship programs to the nationwide push for reshoring manufacturing USA, they cover how to build high paying trade careers that rival college pathways.
Whether you’re just starting out, considering a career change, or advising young people, this episode provides real insights into the future of the skilled trades.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● (00:00) – Careers in Manufacturing Today: Why trades careers matter more than ever.
● (04:32) – Skilled Trades Jobs vs. Service Jobs: The hidden financial difference.
● (12:15) – Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs: Earn while you learn pathways into trades.
● (22:40) – Reshoring Manufacturing USA: Why supply chains are shifting back home.
● (33:10) – High Paying Trade Careers: From $18/hr apprenticeships to six-figure tradespeople.
● (44:55) – The Future of the Trades Industry: AI, technology, and advocacy reshaping the landscape.
Key Takeaways
● Careers in manufacturing offer advancement and stability far beyond entry-level jobs.
● Skilled trades jobs like carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and millwrights provide lifelong pathways.
● Manufacturing apprenticeship programs allow people to train debt-free while earning a wage.
● Reshoring manufacturing USA is driving demand for high paying trade careers across small and medium businesses.
About the Guest
Roger Atkins is the President of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA). With decades in the trades industry, Roger has been a leading advocate for reshoring initiatives, building manufacturing apprenticeship programs, and expanding awareness of skilled trades jobs. His work with the Skilled Trades Advisory Council and industry experts focuses on creating high paying trade careers for future generations of tradespeople, contractors, and career changers.
Keywords
Careers in Manufacturing, Skilled Trades Jobs, Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs, Reshoring Manufacturing USA, High Paying Trade Careers, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Industry Experts, Andrew Brown, Roger Atkins, National Tooling & Machining Association, NTMA, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Tradespeople, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Advocacy, Education, Trades Careers
Resource Links
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-atkins/
Website: https://ntma.org/
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