{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"FourMan Podcast","title":"How to Build a Better Apprenticeship with Tom Keena","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1601,"description":"What does a successful apprenticeship program actually look like?\nTom Keena spent approximately 15 years working in the electrical trade before becoming an educator. After experiencing apprenticeship classes that relied heavily on diagrams and classroom instruction, Tom believed students needed more opportunities to troubleshoot, wire, build, and practice with the equipment they would encounter in the field.\nNearly three decades later, he has helped develop a hands-on electrical program serving approximately 250 apprentices and more than 350 total students.\nIn this episode, Tom joins Noah, Ken, and Adam to discuss how his program works, why contractors participate in its advisory board, and what students need to do to become attractive candidates for an apprenticeship.\nTom also explains why completing a class is only part of the equation. Contractors are looking for people who are coachable, dependable, willing to learn, and serious enough to begin developing relevant experience before they are hired.\nThe conversation covers:\nWhy traditional apprenticeship instruction can fall short\nBalancing electrical theory, code instruction, and hands-on training\nWhat contractors expect from new apprentices\nThe difference between union and non-union pathways\nHow students without industry connections can get started\nUsing pre-apprenticeship classes to prove readiness\nWhy volunteering and relevant work experience matter\nBuilding an effective industry advisory board\nFinding qualified trades instructors\nDeveloping and continuously improving curriculum\nUsing Canvas and short instructional videos\nEncouraging students to teach and network with one another\nWhy trades programs need both funding and dedicated space\nThe financial opportunities available in the skilled trades\nTom also shares the story of comparing his earnings as an electrician with his brother’s earnings as a high school teacher—and why more families need to recognize the trades as a legitimate and potentially lucrative...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/Rh5qNgqRfD2egFjiwMW7f5AB2p1NSKvJkx6OteRUo3I/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yZDE3/OWU2MDQyMDhmYTUz/NTUwZDU1N2Q5ZmU2/MDYzNS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}