Right In Front Of Me: Recent Episodes
Right In Front Of Me is a podcast that highlights the explosion of high demand career opportunities available to vets of all ages, high school graduates, and career changers looking for long term opportunities in the exciting world of electronics. Right In Front Of Me connects you with the hot topics, employers, educators, military personnel, and everyday people making a difference in the world of vocational training. Right In Front Of Me will put you on the path to a rewarding career you can be proud of without the time, expense, and unpredictability of high-cost education. Brought to you by the STRAC Institute, providing students of all backgrounds with a clear path to a successful career in the high demand industry of electronics.
This episode’s guest is Chris Peters! Chris is the Executive Director of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics, responsible for establishing and growing this organization that helps ensure the U.S. Government has access to resilient and trusted electronics supply chains. Chris Oversees the $42 million Defense Electronics Consortium agreement with the DoD.
Chris has an extensive background in driving the innovation and adoption of solutions throughout manufacturing supply chains. He works with organizations ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 manufacturers and the Department of Defense. Focus areas include:
Through work and participation in the National Defense Industrial Association and the Joint Defense ManTech Panel, Chris has become well-known in the defense manufacturing community. He is a frequent speaker on defense manufacturing supply chains and has written several related papers.
Prior to the US Partnership, Chris Co-founded MetalSite, the world's first industry-backed manufacturing marketplace, funded by five of the country's largest metals producers. The company exceeded all adoption and revenue projections in the first six months and earned a $183 million return on a $20 million investment in the first year. Chris went on to create similar manufacturing consortia in 20 industries throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, fundamentally changing the way that supply chain partners interact. Chris also served in the US Coast Guard. Thank you, Chris!
In this episode we discuss...
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Stephen's high school journey
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His experience with heading into the workforce right away
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The must-go-to-college narrative
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The benefits of heading straight into the workforce
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A degree in itself is not a guarantee for success
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Stephen's advice for those without a college degree looking for their path
Find Stephen's bio and more episode's at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
In this episode we discuss...
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How Charles initially got involved in electronics
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The benefits of learning by discovery
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Some thoughts on the shift to college-for-all mentality
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Charles Platts' books and where to find them
Check out all episode's and Charles' bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
In this episode we discover...
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Travis' background and professional journey
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The social pressure to go to college
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Life lessons shared by Travis
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His experience with his apprenticeship
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The student loan crisis
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Group think vs thinking independently
Check out Travis Mydlo's bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
In this episode we discuss...
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How public high schools are navigating COVID
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College prep classes vs trades classes
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The benefits of exposing younger generations to career choices
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How a parent is the main influence for future career choices
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Alex's own children and how he's navigating their post-high school discussions
Find Alex's bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
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Trades math vs traditional math
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Open-minded conversations
In this episode we discuss...
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Mike Videira's journey with STRAC Institute
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The origin's of STRAC and how it remains successful with keeping up with the industry demand
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Who hires STRAC Institute graduates and what kind of job market that entails
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The difference between electronics and other trades
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The Chips Act
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What we can expect from STRAC in 2022
Check out Mike's bio at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
In this episode we discover...
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Jennifer's background and journey teaching the last 30 years
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What can the education systems do to increase career exploration and exposure?
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Trade school vs college mindset
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Funding for college vs trades
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The overbearing college stigma...
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What advice Jenn has for parents of students who are having education options conversations with their children
Check out Jenn's bio and all other episode's at https://www.stracinstitute.com/podcast/
In this episode we discover...
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Jason's background in the Navy and his interests
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What Jay brings to the table as an alumni and now instructor at STRAC Institute
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How mentorship and leadership of the youth today contribute to the future of tomorrow
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The impact instructors and educators have on their students
Check out Jay's bio and all other episodes at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
In this episode we discover... - Neal Tomblyn's experience at Lockheed Martin with aviation/space systems. - What Lockheed looks for as far as talent. - The skilled labor gap and supply chain issues. - The way the labor pool has shifted for employers and employees. - Trade companies prefer finite skills over a broader education. - Neal's advice for high school parents regarding career choice and exploration for their child.
In this episode we discover...
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An inside look to current STRAC Institute student David Vega's life and upbringing.
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How our pasts, no matter how turbulent, pushes us in the right direction if we let it.
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How society takes for granted all of the things that fall into place to simply turn on a light switch.
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The incredible rise in career changers and what they're searching for.
Check out David Vega's bio and all other episode's at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
This episode's guest is Adam DeGraide! Adam is an entrepreneur, speaker, and digital marketing expert, to say the least. He is a three-time Inc 500 Founder who has created more than three-hundred million in equity valuations. He is a self-starter, high school graduate who values a good attitude, skills, and ability. He has employed thousands over his career as a CEO. Thank you Adam!
Stream our other episodes and check out STRAC Institute at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
In this episode we discover...
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There are extremely limited resources for vocational education grants and scholarships.
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Ivan and Kelving's experience at STRAC Institute
-Why these students chose STRAC versus other education options
Thank you Ivan and Kelving!
Find more episodes at www.stracinstitute.com/podcast
In this episode we discover...
You will get to meet Markell and Wesley. These are two young men in the middle of their technical training post-high school. We will partake in a great in-depth discussion about their journey to STRAC, thoughts on why they chose the field of electronics, the high cost of college tuition, and student debt. We also discuss their career plans after STRAC. This is a great discussion for high school students, educators, career changers, and technical employers. Thank you Wesley and Markell!
In this episode we discover...
-Insight from David England
-The future of payment processing
-The requirements and skills that are sought after in the hiring process for NCR
-What educators can do to make career options more known
-NCR Corporation
Read David England's bio here.
In this episode we discover...
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Electronics and other certifications are useful to big companies and needed now more than ever
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Lessons learned and insight from Joe Amaral
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A peak into Joe's life and how he navigates post-high school discussions with his sons.
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Talent is sourced from more places than just 4-year degree holders
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Anthem Software
Read Joe Amaral's bio here.
This episode's guest is Megan Herne with AstroNova, Inc. AstroNova is also this weeks co-sponsor!
Megan Herne joined AstroNova, Inc., a global leader in developing and applying data visualization technologies, in 2016 and now serves as the organization’s Human Resources Manager for North America. In this role, Megan is responsible for the development and administration of various human resource plans and procedures and provides guidance to management in a number of areas, including people development, performance management, benefits, compensation, and more. Previously in Megan’s role as Talent Acquisition Manager for Panera Bread/Howley Bread Group, she led the talent acquisition function with staffing responsibility for over 20 cafes.
Megan is dedicated to serving others, both in their educational and professional development and personal lives. She previously served for 3 years as the Director of Programs & Professional Development for the Rhode Island Society of Human Resources Management. In this role, Megan was responsible for the planning and development of all educational and social programming for the organization’s members. Megan currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Davies Career & Technical High School and the Board of Directors at Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island.
This episode’s guest is Charles Myers! Charles is a decorated 20 year veteran teacher of Construction Technologies. His many professional achievements include winning the 2003 Milken Educator Award, National Grid's Pioneer in Education Award, Woonsocket's Innovation in Education Award, and being named the 2016 CTE Teacher of the Year. He has experience and/or licenses in multiple Green Construction disciplines including Building Performance Analysis, Solar Hot Water, LEED, and Energy Star Homes. Prior to his teaching career, Charlie supervised construction of multimillion dollar custom homes in southern Rhode Island. He is a dedicated teacher who loves to collaborate on projects that make a positive impact on the community, the school campus, and the lives of students. Charlie looks forward to the work they are doing at Ponaganset, where he can continue to move forward in excellence.
Martin Purin is a Career Advocate for STRAC Institute. He specializes in building relationships with the students as well as the companies who hire them. He gets enjoyment out of helping them find employment and has made a career based on helping others. Martin served over 22 years in the Marine Corps, where he achieved the highest enlisted rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. During his time in the military, he has experienced combat, led others, and changed lives through engaged servant leadership. Today he continues to help others through career development. Martin is originally from the Westbank of New Orleans, enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 17 and graduated from Post University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is passionate about helping others, mentorship, and the development of both kids and adults alike. He coaches flag and tackle football, remains active at church, and believes in giving back. He is driven to be his best for his wife and two sons.
More info at STRAC Institute.
Welcome to Right In Front Of Me! In this introduction episode our host, Tim Sawyer, explains why we are passionate about our podcast and what our show is all about!