In this episode of The Why We Build Podcast, host Greg Woleck talks with Alvin Townley, CEO of Skilled Nation, about the future of skilled trades, workforce development, and why career pathways in the trades deserve more respect, visibility, and support.

For years, the common message around success was simple: go to college, get a degree, and follow the traditional path. For some people, that path works. But for many others, it can lead to debt, uncertainty, and work that does not feel meaningful.

At the same time, industries like construction, remodeling, manufacturing, transportation, energy, and home services continue to need skilled people who can build, fix, install, create, and solve real problems.

Alvin shares how Skilled Nation is working to close that g ...