Skilled Trades Careers & Workforce Development with Boyd Worsham

Skilled Trades Careers & Workforce Development with Boyd Worsham

Author: Andrew Brown February 11, 2025 Duration: 47:31

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Boyd Worsham, President of NCCER, to discuss the importance of Skilled Trades Careers, Construction Workforce Development, and Carpentry Apprenticeships. Boyd shares his journey from high school carpentry to leading a national organization dedicated to workforce training and NCCER Certification Benefits. They dive into the challenges facing the Trades Industry, the ongoing labor shortage, and the importance of structured training programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Trade School vs. College and the future of Trades Careers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:22) – Introduction to the episode and guest, Boyd Worsham

(00:01:40) – The significance of SkillsUSA and how it supports Skilled Trades Careers

(00:06:58) – What makes a great carpenter? The balance of Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, and Creativity

(00:14:02) – The need for Construction Workforce Development and improving trade education awareness

(00:24:21) – Advice for those looking to start their own business in the Trades Industry

(00:44:01) – Key advice for young tradespeople: seizing Carpentry Apprenticeships and leadership

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Trades Education Schools must promote Trades Careers alongside traditional college paths. Trade School vs. College should be an informed choice, not an afterthought.

Training and Certifications Matter Earning an NCCER Certification significantly improves career prospects in Construction Workforce Development.

Career Growth in the Skilled Trades Skilled Trades Careers offer opportunities for leadership, business ownership, and Industry Experts mentoring the next generation.

Solving the Labor Shortage Awareness campaigns and initiatives like the Skilled Trades Advisory Council can help recruit more young people into the Trades Industry.

About the Guest:

Boyd Worsham is the President of NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), a nonprofit dedicated to providing standardized training and NCCER Certification Benefits across multiple skilled trades. With over 30 years in the Construction Industry, Boyd has worked in Carpentry, project management, and workforce training. He is passionate about promoting Carpentry Apprenticeships and ensuring the next generation of Tradespeople receive the education and support they need to succeed.

Keywords:

Skilled Trades Careers, Construction Workforce Development, Carpentry Apprenticeships, Trade School vs. College, NCCER Certification Benefits, NCCER, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Boyd Worsham, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council

RESOURCE LINKS:

  • Website: https://www.nccer.org/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boyd-worsham-b7b9b1183/

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

If you’re getting value from these episodes and want to help keep the mics on, consider tipping the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/products/toolbox

Every dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered insights from the trades, straight to your ears.


There's a quiet revolution happening in the workforce, one built on the sound of a hammer, the hum of a saw, and the satisfaction of a job done with your own hands. The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades is a conversation about that shift, guided by Andrew Brown. This isn't just a technical manual; it's a deep exploration of the craft, business, and profound personal fulfillment found in skilled trades. Andrew draws from his own journey through hands-on work and entrepreneurship to frame discussions that are as much about building a life as they are about building things. Each episode connects the dots between practical skill, viable career paths, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive independently. You'll hear from seasoned professionals who share their hard-won wisdom, alongside discussions on navigating the business side of trades, from client relations to financial stability. The goal is to elevate the conversation around these essential careers, moving beyond stereotypes to highlight the creativity, critical thinking, and dignity inherent in skilled work. Tune into this podcast for honest stories, actionable advice, and a renewed appreciation for the foundational crafts that shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 88

The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
Podcast Episodes
The Financial Upsides of Blue-Collar Careers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:31
Our guest Caleb Faust, delves into the world of blue-collar careers, exploring the vital role of mentorship, the financial benefits of blue-collar work, and why the trade school route might just be the more lucrative pat…
Combating Labor Shortages in Construction with David Mcneil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:45
Today’s episode titled "Combating Labor Shortages in Construction with David McNeil" we delve deep into the transformative world of lean management and its impact on the skilled trades. Joining us is David McNeil, a vete…
Profits and Wrenches: Pathways from Technician to CEO in the Trades [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:49
In this episode, Rich and Andrew peel back the curtain on the challenges and realities of working in the trades. They'll share invaluable experiences and explore the critical roles mentorship and company culture play in…
From Electrician to Entrepreneur: The Doug Winston Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:11
Welcome back listeners to another episode of the "Lost Art of the Skilled Trades" podcast. I'm Andrew Brown, your host and fellow trades enthusiast, ready to delve into the fascinating world of manual mastery and craftsm…
What If All the Skilled Trades Disappeared [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:33
In our latest installment, we delve deep into the heart of a pressing issue: the evolving landscape of skilled trades and the challenges faced by the younger generation in charting fulfilling career paths. Joining us tod…
From Tanks to Tools: A Marine's Journey into the Skilled Trades World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:21
Welcome back to The Lost Art of The Skilled Trades. In today's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Wally Adamchik, a former marine with a deep passion for advocating the skilled trades. Wally shared his uni…
Welding is A Dying Career Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
Welcome to another episode of "Lost Art of The Skilled Trades," where today we tackle a provocative question: Is welding a dying career? Joining us is the seasoned John King, owner of JK Welding and Trail Westgate, whose…