From Student to Leader in the Trades | Robin Reiling

From high school student to state director, Robyn Rowling’s entire career started with one program: SkillsUSA.

In this episode, Dennis sits down with Robyn to uncover how SkillsUSA transforms students into leaders, how CareerSafe is helping keep young workers safe on the job, and why the trades are proving to be the real higher education.

If you’ve ever wondered how career education changes lives, this story says it all.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to the Trade Traction Podcast
00:37 – Meet Robyn Rowling: From SkillsUSA student to leader
02:33 – The story behind the famous “Red Jacket”
03:15 – How SkillsUSA shaped her career and confidence
07:01 – Why the trades are higher education
09:59 – How industry can support local trade programs
12:18 – What CareerSafe does for safety and young workers
16:31 – Why safety matters in every profession
19:20 – Changing the narrative: college isn’t the only path
22:59 – Final message: promoting safety and SkillsUSA

Guest: Robyn Rowling, CareerSafe
Location: Skills USA 2025, Atlanta

The Podcast that helps plumbing and heating service contractors stop working for free and actually turn a profit.

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