Skilled Start: High School Students Launching Careers in Heavy Equipment
Skilled Start: High School Students Launching Careers in Heavy EquipmentIn Episode 60, hosts Brandi Merrill and Houston Blackwood are joined by Huntsville City School students and Career Coach Carolyn Wade to discuss how, after completing Skills for Success heavy equipment courses through Calhoun Community College, the students were hired and are now earning up to $25 an hour—all before graduating high school. Hear each student boldly and confidently share their next steps, future plans, and how heavy equipment training has shaped their career paths. The conversation explores how hands-on learning builds confidence, the value of practical skills in today’s workforce, and why more students are choosing trades over traditional college paths, along with what’s in store for the next generation of skilled workers.
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43:36
Skilled to Build: Strengthening Alabama’s Trade Workforce
In Episode 59, host Houston Blackwood is joined by Colby Thompson of Thompson Contractors and Kory Boling, Executive Director of the Alabama Home Builders Foundation, to discuss workforce challenges and career opportunities in Alabama’s construction trades. From the need for skilled workers to the value of hands-on training, the conversation explores how Skills for Success, Alabama’s community colleges, and industry partnerships are helping bridge the gap between education, training, and employment. This episode highlights the role of hands-on training and relationship-building in preparing the next generation of tradespeople across the state.
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50:17
Landscape Learning: Growing Alabama’s Nursery and Landscape Workforce
In Episode 58, hosts Tom Chappell and Sharon Alley sit down with Russell Wood, Executive Director of the Alabama Nursery Landscape Association, to discuss Alabama’s workforce challenges in the nursery and landscape industry and how the Skills for Success Nursery Landscape Worker course can help. With a growing demand for skilled workers, this course was designed to equip students with critical skills like plant identification, pruning, irrigation, and equipment maintenance. The conversation dives into lessons learned from the pilot lab, the importance of industry partnerships, and how this course is set to prepare students for meaningful careers in one of Alabama’s most essential and growing industries.
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Career Ready: Workforce Training for Alabama Students
In Episode 57, Matt Heaton welcomes Tony May, Work-Based Learning Specialist at the Alabama State Department of Education, for a conversation about the future of workforce development through hands-on learning and career exploration. They explore how Skills for Success—powered by the ACCS Innovation Center and delivered through Alabama’s community colleges—is equipping high school students with real-world skills, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways into high-demand careers. The episode highlights innovative training courses like fiber optics, customer service, and heavy equipment, while emphasizing the critical role of practical training and early exposure in preparing Alabama’s next generation of skilled professionals.
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Meet The IC Team: Matt Heaton
In Episode 56, Houston Blackwood sits down with Matt Heaton, Career Readiness Manager for the ACCS Innovation Center, to discuss the transformative impact of career readiness programs across Alabama.Matt shares his journey from working in special education to leading initiatives that are creating real opportunities for students. Through his work, he is helping students gain industry-backed credentials, opening doors to high-demand careers, and ensuring they have the skills needed to succeed.They explore the rapid expansion of Skills for Success in K12, growing from just two schools to 118 school systems, and how vocational training is bridging the gap between education and high-paying careers. The conversation also highlights powerful success stories and how hands-on experience and industry partnerships are preparing students for the workforce.Join us as we uncover how Matt, his team, and the ACCS Innovation Center are shaping Alabama’s workforce and transforming K12 students’ futures through career readiness!
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