In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Rob Smith, Executive Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers. Rob shares how a family legacy in carpentry and education led him from the field to teaching and ultimately to leading apprenticeship and training across six states and D.C. The conversation explores the evolution of debt-free education into higher education pathways, the impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program on recruitment and retention, and how technology like virtual reality and iPads is shaping the next generation of tradespeople. Rob also reflects on mentorship, workforce challenges, and why building a level playing field for responsible contractors is essential to the future of union construction.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Rob Smith and his career in carpentry
03:28 – Early influences: family, sports, and the pull toward mentorship
05:28 – Leading a six-state training network and managing challenges
07:11 – Why the training fund merger was necessary and how it works
08:13 – Evolving beyond debt-free education into higher education partnerships
10:30 – University credits and the growing role of higher education in the trades
12:15 – Embracing technology: virtual reality, iPads, and LMS in training
15:05 – How VR reveals real-world readiness in apprentices
16:10 – The origins and impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program (CARP)
18:21 – Why CARP graduates are better prepared and more likely to succeed
19:19 – Expanding CARP across Pittsburgh, DC, and New Jersey
20:11 – Mentorship’s role in apprenticeship and career growth
22:23 – Preparing apprentices for leadership roles beyond the jobsite
23:31 – Contractor entrepreneurship and new pathways for growth
23:47 – The biggest challenge: creating a level playing field in construction
25:46 – Demand for apprenticeship spots and the jobs gap
26:38 – Defining personal and professional success in leadership
28:47 – Closing reflections on mentorship, success, and the future of the trades