The Builders' Table: Recent Episodes
National Center for Construction Education and Research
The construction industry builds communities, rebuilds following catastrophes, and supports our nation's growth. To ensure we have the workforce needed, The Builders' Table podcast engages, empowers, and educates listeners to inspire the next generation of craft professionals. The Builders' Table is a production of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and is hosted by Jennifer Wilkerson, NCCER’s Vice President of Innovation and Advancement.
Keeping great people in construction starts with giving them a reason to stay.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Ryan Englin, Founder and CEO of Core Matters, discusses why retention begins with understanding what employees need from their leaders. Ryan shares how mentorship, consistent communication and stronger leadership development can help companies create an environment where employees feel supported throughout their careers.
Ryan also explains why promoting a great craft professional does not automatically make them a great leader, how micromanagement can develop without proper training and how tools like Core Matters’ Field Connect can help leaders communicate more effectively.
Listen now to discover how investing in leadership and employee development can help construction companies retain great people.
What happens when you stop waiting for people to find construction and start bringing construction to them?
In this episode of The Builders' Table, Kris Georgeson, Director of Education Compliance and Outreach for ABC Southern California, shares how the organization's Trades for All initiative is helping people from all backgrounds discover the many career paths available in construction. Through community outreach, hands-on experiences and industry partnerships, ABC Southern California is working to connect more individuals with meaningful opportunities in the trades.
Kris also discusses the importance of mental fitness, workplace culture and meeting people where they are to build a stronger, more connected construction workforce.
Listen now to learn how expanding access and creating opportunity can help shape the future of the skilled trades.
Construction does more than build structures. It builds communities, creates opportunities and changes lives.
In this episode of The Builders' Table, Paul Robinson, Founder and CEO of ConstructReach, shares how his passion for community led him to create an organization focused on connecting people with purposeful careers in construction. Through partnerships with employers, schools and local organizations, ConstructReach is helping more individuals discover the opportunities the industry has to offer.
Paul also discusses why the future of construction depends on authentic leadership, meaningful engagement and a commitment to serving the next generation.
Listen now to learn how purpose can help shape the future of the skilled trades.
Credentials are more than just a line on a resume. They can shape careers, strengthen confidence and support workforce development across the construction industry.
In this episode of The Builders' Table, Richard Hannah, Director of Research at NCCER, discusses NCCER's latest Value of Credentials study and the insights uncovered throughout the research process. From hiring and career advancement to personal growth and skill development, the findings reveal how craft professionals truly view the value of credentials.
He also shares how digital credentialing and workforce portability are helping move the construction workforce forward.
Listen now to learn how credentials are impacting the future of the skilled trades.
The demand for skilled workers continues to rise and training the next generation has never been more important.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of ABC Southeastern Michigan, discusses how the organization and the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy are preparing students for careers in construction. Through affordable, hands-on training and strong industry connections, they are creating opportunities for individuals looking to enter the skilled trades.
Keith also shares how partnerships with employers, expanded campuses and a focus on workforce readiness are helping shape the future of construction training in Michigan.
Listen now to discover how investment in training and education is strengthening the industry.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Scott Evans, Senior Account Manager at Cemex USA and Founder of Invisible PPE, shares his personal journey and why he is passionate about mental health and suicide prevention in construction. After facing his own struggles, Scott now advocates for creating stronger support systems within the workforce.
He discusses the realities behind mental health in the industry and why it is critical to move beyond awareness and toward real, consistent action. From peer-to-peer support to building a culture of trust, Scott explains how small changes can make a lasting impact.
Listen now to learn how focusing on people can help create safer and stronger jobsites.
In today’s construction industry, success is not just about building projects. It is about building people.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Jason Schroeder, Founder and COO of Elevate Construction, shares how his journey from concrete finisher to industry leader shaped his approach to workforce development. He discusses why respect, leadership and intentional training are critical to long-term success in construction.
From challenging the idea of a labor shortage to emphasizing the need for stronger training programs, Jason explains why investing in people is the key to improving productivity and retention.
Listen now to learn how a people-first mindset can transform the construction workforce.
As demand for skilled workers continues to rise, the construction workforce is entering a new phase of growth and change.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Rich Camacho, Founder and CEO of AlliedRecruit and BlueRecruit, discusses the key trends shaping the trades today. From rapid wage increases to evolving hiring practices, he explains what companies and job seekers need to know.
With a growing pipeline of young talent and increased mobility across the workforce, Rich emphasizes the importance of training and long-term investment in people.
Listen now to learn how the industry is adapting to meet demand.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Brent Bean, President of Build Mississippi, discusses how the organization is bridging the gap between education and industry. By supporting CTE programs, working closely with instructors and partnering with contractors, Build Mississippi is helping create a more seamless transition from classroom to career.
From paid training programs to direct job placement opportunities, Brent shares how their efforts are making it easier for individuals to enter and succeed in the construction workforce.
Listen now to discover how Build Mississippi is transforming workforce development at the state level.
Career and Technical Education is shaping the future workforce. How do we ensure it continues to grow and evolve?
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Michael Connet, Associate Deputy Executive Director – Outreach & Partnerships of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), shares how CTE has developed over the past century and the role it plays in preparing students for successful careers. ACTE is focused on advancing high-quality programs that combine technical skills, employability skills and critical thinking.
From increasing student participation to strengthening connections between education and industry, Michael discusses the challenges and opportunities facing CTE today.
Listen now to learn how collaboration between educators, employers and organizations is helping build a stronger talent pipeline.
Across the U.S., millions of skilled workers are held back—not by ability, but by language barriers.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Katie Brown, Founder and Chief Education Officer of EnGen, discusses how workforce-aligned English instruction is helping workers facing English language barriers strengthen their communication skills and thrive—especially in high-demand industries like construction. Through personalized, industry-specific training, EnGen helps learners build the tools needed to grow, advance and perform with confidence on the job.
Katie also shares how partnerships with employers, educators and organizations are creating new pathways for career growth and helping unlock talent that’s often hidden in plain sight.
Listen now to discover how English upskilling is strengthening the workforce and expanding opportunity.
The transition from military to civilian life isn’t always straightforward—especially when it comes to building a long-term career.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Elizabeth O’Brien and Stefanie Watson share how Hiring Our Heroes is helping veterans and military spouses navigate that journey. Through initiatives like the Skilled Trades Academy, they’re connecting participants with training, employers and lasting career opportunities in the skilled trades.
Listen now to learn how this growing ecosystem is supporting those who’ve served and meeting today’s workforce demands.
From a 30-year prison sentence to teaching skilled trades and helping others rebuild their lives.
In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Ty Wade shares his powerful journey and how New Freedom is helping individuals reenter society through education, mentorship and careers in the skilled trades.
Listen now to learn how second-chance opportunities are transforming lives.
Gab Galvin - (0:27 - 2:04)
Perry Wilson - (2:11 - 4:14)
Ian Warner - (4:20 - 7:01)
Kasey Wade - (7:08 - 8:22)
Thomas Bruns - (8:29 - 10:43)
Steve Dell'Orto - (10:50 - 14:13)
Mark Hughes - (14:20 - 18:20)
Peyton Holland 00:21 - 01:49
Christi Powell 01:49 - 3:42
Grants Plus 03:42 - 10:33
Mittie Cannon 10:33 - 15:45
Chad Sutton 15:45 - 19:48
Ashton White 19:48-22:41
Kayleen McCabe 22:41 - Close
Gabe Galvin, ABC Construction Prep Academy Director with Associated Builders and Contractors Indiana Kentucky, joins The Builders' Table Podcast.
Evin Jarrett, instructor at the Mayfair School in the Philadelphia School District, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about building a middle school training program, becoming the "Dope Teacher" and the need to expose people of all ages to construction. (Re-uploaded from October 24, 2022)
Gladys Cruz and Jim Church of Questar III BOCES (Castleton, New York) join The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about their educational program.
Television Personality and Construction Pioneer Kayleen McCabe joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about her journey in the construction industry.
Aaron Frumin, founder and executive director at unCommon Construction, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about the value of hard and soft craft skills and building a program to help young people learn them.
Alison Tripp, national talent acquisition lead for DPR Construction, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about the process of recruiting for a construction company and the importance of training and mentorship.
Kathryn Hart, business development manager for D2 and host of the Space to Build podcast, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about helping women feel welcome in construction and starting her podcast.
Jennifer Todd, owner of LMS General Contractors, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about owning her own construction company and the evolving status of women in construction.
Andrea Janzen, founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about being a professional development coach for women and how women can become leaders in the construction industry.
Joshua O’Neal, welding instructor at Hemet United School District and Barstow Community College, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about his path in welding and how he approaches being a craft instructor.
Rick Schmidt & Robert Wiachek, craft instructors at Mercy Career & Technical High School in Philadelphia, join The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about their school's construction programs and how they work to give students new opportunities.
Ashley Applegate, director of training at the Kentucky Welding Institute, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about his unique path to becoming a welder and how KWI is preparing individuals for the welding industry.
Luke Rhine, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education with the United States Department of Education, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about his career in education and how we can support and promote CTE nationwide.
Jennifer Sproul, president of the Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about the work MCCEI is doing to bring new people into the industry and the importance of investing in workforce development.
The Builders’ Table Podcast Ep. 17: Meghan Golden
Meghan Golden, co-founder and chief business officer at Cumulus Digital Systems, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about how her experience in the military translated to a career in construction technology and how tech plays a role in the evolving industry.
Jeff Lynn, president of Central Alabama Community College, joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about becoming a president of a college and building a workforce development and training program.
Ashton White, two-time SkillsUSA Masonry National Champion and social media influencer, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about how she got involved with SkillsUSA and the work she's doing to promote the skilled trades.
Keith Williams, Founder and CEO of Skill Stadium, joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to discuss what led him to create Skill Stadium and how it helps match job seekers and employers in the skilled trades with a focus on video content.
Holley Thomas, technical professional leader at KBR, joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about her career path and being a woman in construction.
Scott Loberg, vice president at Associated Builders and Contractors – Illinois Chapter, joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about the state of construction training and what ABC Illinois does to support the industry in their region.
Dr. Mittie Cannon, founder of Power UP: It's a Mother-Daughter Thing!, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about how she got into the industry and the work she's doing to expose young women to careers in construction.
Chris DiStefano, owner and COO of Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about being part of a family-owned business and having a long-term workforce strategy.
Matt Carter and Dana Textoris from Grants Plus join The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about seeking grants and how grants can benefit construction training programs.
Daniel Groves, CEO of Construction Industry Resources, joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about workforce research in the construction industry and the current state of the industry.
Brady Woodel, HVAC apprentice for Colonial Webb Contractors, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about being in an apprenticeship and participating in craft championship competitions.
Chad Sutton, director of workforce development at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about career pathways and building a construction training program.
LeAnn Wilson, executive director of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about the importance of CTE and how ACTE works to advance technical education.
Evin Jarrett, instructor at the Mayfair School in the Philadelphia School District, joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about building a middle school training program, becoming the "Dope Teacher" and the need to expose people of all ages to construction.
Christi Powell of 84 Lumber and Angela Gardner of Hill Electric joins The Builders' Table Podcast to talk about working to grow diversity in construction and co-hosting the Women Talk Construction Podcast.
Ed Stelter, vice president of procurement at Faulconer Construction, joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about becoming a leader of a construction company and how he started his own podcast, Foundations.
Peyton Holland, executive director of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), joins The Builders’ Table Podcast to talk about career and technical education and what NTHS does to support students pursuing training.