The Builders' Table

Hosted by National Center for Construction Education and Research

Business Education

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Episodes

156

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 18, 202633 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 151: Dick Hannah

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.

May 11, 202640 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 150: Keith Ledbetter

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.

May 4, 202635 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 149: Scott Evans

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.

April 27, 202630 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 148: Jason Schroeder

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.

April 20, 202630 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 147: Rich Camacho

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.

April 13, 202637 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 146: Brent Bean

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.

April 6, 202632 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 145: Michael Connet

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.

March 30, 202630 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 144: Katie Brown

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.

March 23, 202630 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 143: Elizabeth O'Brien & Stefanie Watson

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.

March 16, 202632 min

The Builders' Table Ep. 142: Ty Wade

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.