Why Skilled Trades Matter More Than Ever

What this episode covers

Flintco Talks tackles one of the most urgent challenges facing Central Texas and our U.S. economy in general–the severe shortage of skilled tradespeople. In this episode you'll meet Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO, Skillpoint Alliance, Tamara Atkinson, CEO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Skillpoint graduate Jennifer Cobb, an electrical foreman with FSG Electric in Austin, who shares her compelling personal story. With more than $25 billion in active infrastructure projects (alone) and a growing demand for 10,000 new skilled workers per year just in Central Texas, the discussion goes deep into how this gap formed—and what’s being done about it. Skillpoint Alliance and Workforce Solutions are helping lead the charge with free, fast-track training programs, and wraparound support services. Our guests also delve into plans for a new Infrastructure Academy in Austin dedicated to training the next generation of our skilled workforce. Podcast Highlights: *Jennifer takes us through her journey from teen mom, to laid-off receptionist to foreman at FSG after completing Skillpoint’s pre-apprenticeship program. * Learn more about the FREE 4–6 week Skillpoint boot camp that prepares students for immediate, upwardly mobile careers. * How Workforce Solutions Capital Area supports the effort through childcare, transportation assistance, and career navigation. * And the new Infrastructure Academy in Austin, which is designed to unify employers, educators, and jobseekers around the skilled trades. Useful Links: https://skillpointalliance.org https://www.wfscapitalarea.com Key Quote: “You believe that person is out there digging ditches because they lack opportunity—when really, they took advantage of one.” – Jennifer Cobb 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Meet the Guests 03:02 Austin’s Construction Boom 04:23 The 10,000 Workers Gap 06:28 How Did We Get Here? 10:18 The Skillpoint Solution 12:43 Jennifer’s Journey 16:50 Barriers to Entry 20:57 Changing the Narrative 26:01 Reaching the Schools 31:01 Misconceptions About the Trades 36:02 Parents Matter Too 39:33 What 'Hire Local' Really Means 43:31 What Is the Infrastructure Academy? 50:05 How to Get Involved with Skillpoint 53:03 Funding & Support 54:44 Infrastructure Academy Event Info 55:57 Final Thoughts #workforcedevelopment #skilledtrades #construction #podcast