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The skilled trades shortage is being called a $1 trillion workforce problem. But what if it’s a problem we helped create?

For decades, we closed factories, moved jobs, laid people off, and told a generation that the path to a good career ran through college, not the trades. Now employers are scrambling for welders, technicians, electricians, manufacturing talent, and other skilled workers.

We sat down with Toshiba CHRO Jason Desentz to talk about how we got here and, more importantly, what it will take to rebuild.

In this episode, we get into:

• How decades of layoffs, offshoring, and steering people toward college helped create today’s skilled trades shortage
• Why outdated perceptions of manufacturing and trade careers haven’t caught up with the jobs themselves
• How employers can rebuild talent pipelines through high school partnerships, apprenticeships, and internal training
• Why career mobility and development matter just as much as getting people in the door
• The role trust, culture, and community play in keeping skilled workers
• How AI and automation could enhance skilled work rather than simply replace it

Because we’re not going to solve the skilled trades shortage by waiting for more workers to show up. We have to rebuild the pathways that lead people there.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

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