Drive to Zero: The Transition and the Human Infrastructure Behind It | Stephanie Kodish

The transition to zero-emission transportation is accelerating worldwide—but technology and policy alone will not determine its success.

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly A. Moore, CCMP, National Executive Director of the Clean Technology Training Trust, welcomes Stephanie Kodish, Senior Director of Global Drive to Zero™, for a timely conversation about the workforce, partnerships, and human infrastructure needed to support the global clean transportation movement.

Together, they explore a critical question:

Are we preparing the skilled workforce at the same pace that we are advancing zero-emission transportation?

The conversation examines:

• Why workforce development must have a permanent seat in global clean transportation discussions
• The role of Registered Apprenticeship in preparing technicians, electricians, and skilled trades professionals
• Why talent should be viewed as critical infrastructure, not simply a workforce issue
• The power of coalition building and cross-sector collaboration
• What becomes possible when organizations begin operating as an ecosystem
• The connection between workforce investment, environmental justice, and healthier communities
• The organizations and sectors that must become more engaged in workforce development
• The partnerships needed to turn global commitments into sustainable progress
• Why solving the technology challenge without solving the talent challenge is not enough

As governments, labor organizations, employers, transportation leaders, manufacturers, utilities, nonprofits, and policymakers work toward a zero-emission future, building the workforce cannot be treated as a secondary strategy.

Technology may enable transformation. People make transformation possible.

🎧 Listen to this episode of Apprenticeships WORK! and discover why the future of clean transportation depends on the people and partnerships being developed today.

Learn more about the Clean Technology Training Trust (CTTT):
https://www.cleantechnologytrainingtrust.org

Learn more about Global Drive to Zero™:
https://globaldrivetozero.org/

Subscribe to the Global Drive to Zero™ newsletter:
https://globaldrivetozero.org/subscribe/

How do industry leaders stay at the cutting edge of innovation while preparing their workforce for what's next?

On this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly A. Moore sits down with Michael Wygant, COO of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS), to discuss leadership, registered apprenticeship, zero-emission technology, and the future of the transit workforce.

A leader in public transportation, SDMTS was the first employer to commit to working with the Clean Technology Training Trust (CTTT) to co-design its workforce strategy with the goal of developing that work into a national registered apprenticeship model.

The work brings together SDMTS, IBEW Local 465 leadership, employees, and CTTT, ensuring the people closest to the work help shape the workforce training strategy they will use.

Michael shares leadership insights on preparing people for emerging technologies, labor-management collaboration, employee engagement, and keeping workforce strategy at the forefront of innovation.

The future of transit isn't only about technology. It's about having the skilled workforce ready to power it.

🎧 Listen, follow, and share Apprenticeships WORK!

Every career journey begins with a story.

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly A. Moore, National Executive Director of the Clean Technology Training Trust (CTTT), sits down with Aaron Jones, Regional Organizer for the IBEW 9th District, to explore the experiences that shaped his life, his leadership, and his commitment to strengthening America's workforce.

Aaron reflects on growing up in a family with deep union roots, the values that influenced his path, and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. He shares how his career has evolved into one focused on creating opportunities for others—connecting workers to meaningful careers, helping employers develop skilled talent, and strengthening communities through registered apprenticeships and the skilled trades.

The conversation explores the power of mentorship, the importance of organized labor, and why collaboration between labor, employers, educators, and workforce organizations is essential to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.

Whether you're an IBEW member, employer, apprenticeship leader, workforce development professional, educator, or someone interested in the future of the skilled trades, this episode offers an authentic look at how personal purpose can create lasting impact.

Topics Discussed
• Aaron Jones' leadership journey
• Family legacy and union values
• IBEW and organized labor
• Registered apprenticeships
• Workforce development
• Skilled trades careers
• Employer partnerships
• Mentorship and leadership
• Building America's future workforce

Subscribe to Apprenticeships WORK! for conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of workforce development, registered apprenticeships, and America's skilled workforce.