Fired Up Podcast: A Trade Collective Production
Fired Up Podcast: A Trade Collective Production
Welcome to the Fired Up Podcast, a local production focused on the Evanston community and the approximately 10 mile radius surrounding it. This show is a dedicated space for the conversations that matter most to our local students, families and businesses. We are exploring how to bridge the gap between high school education and the high paying, dignified careers waiting in the skilled trades.
For too long, our community has looked elsewhere for talent while our own students navigated uncertain paths after graduation. We are here to change that narrative. Hosted by Patrick Hughes and Dr. Pete Bavis, this podcast brings together parents, industry leaders, and educators to explore what it actually means to be trade ready in the modern workforce.
What to expect on the show:
- Industry Insights: We sit down with local experts in manufacturing, automotive, plumbing, and other sectors to understand the real world demand right here in our own backyard.
- Educational Reform: We discuss the two pieces of paper vision, which emphasizes the power of a high school diploma paired with a professional credential to create immediate career security.
- Community Connection: We share stories from the shop floor and the classroom, highlighting the spark that happens when a student discovers a passion for building and creating.
- Candid Conversations: These are sincere discussions about how we can better support our youth and strengthen our local economy through direct industry exposure.
Meet Your Hosts:
- Patrick Hughes: The Founder and Chief Connector of The Trade Collective. Patrick is an Evanston entrepreneur and advocate who has spent decades building inclusive partnerships through organizations like Natural Ties and Inclusion Solutions.
- Dr. Pete Bavis: The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Evanston Township High School. A veteran educator with over 16 years of leadership, Pete is a champion for academic rigor and ensuring every student has access to a successful pathway.
Whether you are a parent looking for options for your child, an employer searching for your next great hire, or a neighbor invested in seeing Evanston thrive, it is time to listen in.
New episodes drop every other Tuesday.
Join the movement:
- Website: thetradecollective.org
- Social Media: @The Trade Collective
Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up!
Fired Up Podcast: A Trade Collective Production
Fired Up Podcast Ep.2 | Fan Your Child's Automotive Career Flame
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Fires are sparking in the minds of our high school students and we are ready to fan the flames.
Welcome to the second full episode of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. In this episode, our co-hosts sit down with Scott Nelson and Richard Fisher to discuss Scott's journey with his son who changed his path from the traditional college route to a career in the automotive industry. We also discuss how interest in an automotive path can lead to impressive and lucrative jobs. We explored how to encourage and accept our kids engaging in trade passions. The episode digs into the value of exploring local resources and businesses to help high school students become Trade Ready™at graduation.
Meet The Guests:
🎙️Scott Nelson: Trade Collective volunteer and father of a son who now works in the automotive industry. Scott is passionate about increasing engagement and resources for high school students interested in following a skilled trades career pathway.
🎙️ Richard Fisher: The Founder of Autobarn car dealerships in Evanston and Oak Park. Richard has been working in dealerships since the 1980s and started the first Autobarn in 1992 which has served Evanston and the surrounding areas ever since. Richard is passionate about promoting careers in the automotive industry and increasing automotive apprenticeship opportunities.
In this episode, we discuss:
🔥How do we begin the skilled trades conversation? In a world fixated on the idea that everyone should go to college, Patrick, Pete, Richard and Scott discuss how we open conversations and support young people in following passions in the skilled trades.
🔥 Breaking the college barriers: How do we change our community mindset to accept skilled trade pathways as good career options for kids?
🔥The appetizer and the main course: When engaging a student interested in the skilled trades sector, how do we take the appetizer, or initial interest in class, and translate it to the meal, or real industry experience.
🔥 The truth of the automotive industry: What are the real life financial realities of working in the automotive industry.
Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday.
Review the full vision and follow our journey on social media:
Website: https://www.thetradecollective.org/
Instagram: @the_trade_collective
Threads: @the_trade_collective
Facebook: The Trade Collective
LinkedIn: The Trade Collective
Contact & Support:
General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org
Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥