Today’s guest is Jonathan Synovic, who shares extensive knowledge and passion for youth success in the trades. Having grown up in a family focused on volunteerism, Jonathan's commitment to giving back drives his advocacy for vocational training and the trades.

Jonathan discusses the cultural shift away from hands-on training within the trades, where generational gaps have led to a disconnect in training and retaining younger workers. He emphasizes the importance of real training and the need to understand generational differences in work ethic and expectations. With Gen X expecting a strong work ethic and common sense, there is often a disconnect between Gen Z's digital upbringing and need for tactile skills.

Through the Home Building Trades Foundation, Jonathan and his colleagues aim to reach out not only to schools with existing trade programs but also to those without them, highlighting the opportunities in the trades beyond traditional building fields, encompassing areas like auto mechanics and restaurants.

We share insights on the decline in high school employment, the impact on young adults' preparedness for the workforce, and the unrealistic expectations that often follow. They also examine how state testing mandates and parental expectations shape students' educational choices, advocating for the need to provide alternative pathways and better parental guidance and understanding.

By the end of the episode, it's clear that there's not only a need for skilled workers but also for trade contractors to adopt new ways of engaging and training the next generation. They discuss how to promote apprenticeships as a viable and rewarding alternative to traditional college paths.

We think, ultimately a call for a societal reevaluation of how the trades are presented to parents and students, focusing on the personal fulfillment and immediate gratification that skilled work can provide and the importance of combating the stigma associated with trade careers. 

Let’s build a brighter future together!

Highlights:

-The Impact of Educational Policies on Trade Exposure. Mandatory trade course exposure in the past for middle and high school students. Current limitations on electives due to state testing mandates

-Stigma and reduced interest in apprentice programs

-The Role of Parental Guidance and Expectations. Business owners' frustrations and the consequences of their children's choices. The need for alternative education pathways like technical certifications. Parental expectations driving students toward college rather than trades

-Trade Advocacy and The Home Building Trades Foundation.Resources and advocacy for integrating trades into schools.Encouraging parents to be open to their children's career choices in trades

-Apprenticeships as an Alternative to College. Promoting apprenticeships and their benefits. Brad’s call to action for listeners interested in trades.

Connect with Jonathan-

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Steve Doyle:

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Brad Herda:

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This podcast...