TradingUp
TradingUp is new podcast series produced by Journey12 in proud partnership with Carl Sandburg College. More than just a podcast, TradingUp is a front-row seat to the lived experiences of men and women who’ve chosen a path that’s too often overlooked—the skilled trades.
In each episode, we’ll shine a light on real people, telling real stories of how they’ve charted careers rooted in technical skill, resilience, and hands-on problem solving. These are not narratives of overnight success or viral fame, but of purpose forged in welding bays, machining shops, dental hygiene labs, and behind the dashboards of diesel engines—where grit, craftsmanship, and passion come together to build something lasting.
Through these conversations, we’ll explore what it means to trade up—not just in job titles or earning potential, but in personal fulfillment, community contribution, and the dignity of meaningful work. We’ll meet individuals who have discovered their calling through Sandburg’s programs and partnerships, and who now keep our communities moving forward—quietly, reliably, and often without fanfare.
At a time when the world seems increasingly tilted toward screens and abstraction, these stories remind us of something vital: that there is extraordinary value in the tangible, in the applied, and in the deeply human act of working with one’s hands. This series honors that work—and the people who do it.
TradingUp is here to challenge assumptions, celebrate possibility, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the trades and the institutions, like Sandburg, that make these journeys possible.
TradingUp
WE WILL FIND A WAY: Breaking barriers with ICAPS and ROE 33
In this episode of Sandburg’s Trading Up, Craig Williams sits down with Margaret Segerston and Becky Wade of Regional Office of Education 33 to explore how the Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System—better known as ICAPS—is transforming lives across Western Illinois.
Through a robust partnership with Carl Sandburg College, ROE 33 is helping adult learners earn their high school diplomas, master English, and pursue stackable credentials in career fields like healthcare, technology, and automotive service—all while navigating real-world responsibilities like parenting, work, and transportation challenges.
Margaret and Becky share heartfelt success stories, including that of a woman in her 50s who not only earned her diploma but also stepped boldly onto the path to becoming a kindergarten teacher. Along the way, they spotlight unsung heroes in the classroom, explain how funding partners like WIOA and the Galesburg Community Foundation help bridge financial gaps, and reflect on the dignity that comes from meaningful work.
This episode is an inspiring look at what’s possible when education meets people exactly where they are—and reminds us all that with the right support, anyone can begin again.