Fired Up Podcast: A Trade Collective Production

The Trade Collective
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education

Fired Up Podcast: A Trade Collective Production Welcome to the Fired Up Podcast, a local production focused on the Evanston community and the approximately 10 mile radius surrounding it. This show is a dedicated space for the conversations that matter most to our local students, families and businesses. We are exploring how to bridge the gap between high school education and the high paying, dignified careers waiting in the skilled trades. For too long, our community has looked elsewhere for talent while our own students navigated uncertain paths after graduation. We are here to change that narrative. Hosted by Patrick Hughes and Dr. Pete Bavis, this podcast brings together parents, industry leaders, and educators to explore what it actually means to be trade ready in the modern workforce. What to expect on the show: Industry Insights: We sit down with local experts in manufacturing, automotive, plumbing, and other sectors to understand the real world demand right here in our own backyard.Educational Reform: We discuss the two pieces of paper vision, which emphasizes the power of a high school diploma paired with a professional credential to create immediate career security.Community Connection: We share stories from the shop floor and the classroom, highlighting the spark that happens when a student discovers a passion for building and creating.Candid Conversations: These are sincere discussions about how we can better support our youth and strengthen our local economy through direct industry exposure. Meet Your Hosts: Patrick Hughes: The Founder and Chief Connector of The Trade Collective. Patrick is an Evanston entrepreneur and advocate who has spent decades building inclusive partnerships through organizations like Natural Ties and Inclusion Solutions.Dr. Pete Bavis: The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Evanston Township High School. A veteran educator with over 16 years of leadership, Pete is a champion for academic rigor and ensuring every student has access to a successful pathway. Whether you are a parent looking for options for your child, an employer searching for your next great hire, or a neighbor invested in seeing Evanston thrive, it is time to listen in. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Join the movement: Website: thetradecollective.orgSocial Media: @The Trade Collective Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up!

Episodes

  1. May 28

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.9 | Paid to Learn: How Abt Electronics Builds Careers From the Ground Up

    We have talked a lot about getting the next generation into the skilled trades. In this episode we are thrilled to hear from a young person at the start of a promising career about his journey to Abt Electronics and what it is like to be young and finding your path into the skilled trades. Welcome to Episode 9 of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. Hosts Dr. Pete Bavis and Patrick Hughes sit down with Stefan Johnson and Josh Eddy from Abt Electronics. Josh tells his story from high school to connecting with Stefan Johnson and finding his place working at Abt Electronics. He breaks down why the choice to go to a traditional college wasn't working for him and how he has been able to find community, excitement, and financial stability at Abt Electronics. Meet The Guests: 🎙️ Stefan Johnson: Stefan spent 28 years as a police officer in Glenview before joining Abt Electronics, where he now leads workforce development. Stefan went into Abt as a customer, had a conversation with the owner about a six-month project, and has been there for over nine years. 🎙️ Josh Eddy: Josh grew up in Evanston and graduated from Evanston Township High School. He had plans to go to Illinois State but life had other plans. After two years of working and figuring things out, Josh was introduced to Abt Electronics through The Trade Collective. He has been employed by Abt  for over a month.   He is getting paid to learn. He rates it 10 out of 10 and is talking about staying 20 years. In this episode, we discuss: 🔥 How do you know that the skilled trades are right for you? What unique career experiences do you get from working in the skilled trades? How do we show students all the paths available to them? 🔥 What does it mean to get paid to learn? How does Abt Electronics certify young people in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more while they are already working and earning a paycheck? 🔥 How do you go from feeling lost after high school to finding community, financial stability, and a career you are actually excited about? Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Thursday — and we just moved to Thursdays! Stay tuned and make sure you are following so you never miss an episode. Follow our journey on social media! Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    51 min

  2. May 13

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.8 | Putting Your Stamp on the Workplace

    We have talked a lot about getting the next generation into the trades so on this episode we are thrilled to hear from two young people with promising careers about their journeys and experiences into the skilled trades? Welcome to Episode 8 of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. Hosts Dr. Pete Bavis and Patrick Hughes sit down with Tom, David, and Ewan from Ward Manufacturing to discuss what it is like to be a young person in metal stamping.  David and Ewan tell their story from high school to finding their place working for Ward Manufacturing. They break down why the traditional college path wasn’t working for them and how they have been able to find community, excitement, and financial stability at Ward Manufacturing.  Meet The Guest: 🎙️ Tom Ward: Tom is a third generation owner of Ward Manufacturing and is currently serving as Vice President. Tom believes in investing in young talent and the community. Tom wants the next generation to feel inspired by stories like David’s and Ewan’s to help find their direction. 🎙️David Abramson: David is extremely smart but did not like school at all. David did everything he could to just get through it. Somehow, he did learn things. (Begrudgingly, he took the ACT and scored a 31.) He had no idea what he was going to do in life. That was until he found his place at Ward Manufacturing.  🎙️Ewan Mclean: Ewan was a fantastic student. Got very high marks in high school took AP and was college ready. Ewan started the engineering program at Colorado School of Mines, but he wanted to start working.  In this episode, we discuss: 🔥 How do you know that the skilled trades are right for you? What do you get from working in the skilled trades that you don’t get from traditional four-year college? How do we show students all the paths available to them. 🔥 How do you add value to the workplace? How do you build a community and culture in the workplace? How do you add value to the community around you? Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Follow our journey on social media! Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    1h 7m

  3. Apr 21

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.7 | Blueprints and Bleachers: Building a Career in Construction and a Stadium

    We have talked a lot about getting interested in the trades, but what are the next steps when the interest is there? Listen to learn about what it takes to build a stable career in construction. Welcome to Episode 7 of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. Hosts Dr. Pete Bavis and Patrick Hughes sit down with Turner Construction Company’s Geoff Moore to discuss all things construction including working on the construction team for the new Ryan Field Stadium. From construction opportunities for high schoolers to work ethic to safety, the three lay out the keys to having a successful career in construction. Meet The Guest: 🎙️ Geoff Moore: Geoff is a vice president and construction executive for Turner Construction, currently the largest construction company in the world. He is the principal in charge of the $800 million Ryan Field Construction Project. Geoff believes that there are different paths for everyone including stable, fulfilling career paths in construction. In this episode, we discuss: 🔥 What is the importance of teamwork in the skilled trades? A stadium is not built alone or overnight, how do you work within a construction team? 🔥 What is expected of workers in the skilled trades? Today the group discusses expectations and how to make yourself stand out in the workplace. 🔥 As a high school student, what are the first steps? Today the group discusses what certifications you can get in high school to prepare for a career in construction. Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Follow our journey on social media. Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    38 min

  4. Apr 7

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.6 | Proof of Concept: What Happens After the Trade Collective

    We have talked a lot about the potential of careers in the skilled trades. In this episode, we show you what it actually looks like. Welcome to Episode 6 of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. Hosts Dr. Pete Bavis and Patrick Hughes sit down with two young ETHS and Trade Collective alumni, Alan Muir and Mekbib Boarini, who have launched careers in HVAC and plumbing. This is a different kind of episode. No professors, no policy. Just two young men who didn't have a clear path after high school and found their way to the Trade Collective. Both Alan and Mekbib now have careers doing things they love as a direct effect of working with the Trade Collective. They are living proof of the Trade Collective’s mission and are ready to talk about it! Meet The Guests: 🎙️ Alan Muir: An ETHS graduate now working at AA Service in HVAC, heating, cooling, plumbing, sewer, and electrical. Alan started in the warehouse learning the trade from the ground up, and is now out in the field working alongside experienced technicians every day. 🎙️ Mekbib Boarini: A recent ETHS graduate now working at Abt, a respected appliance and electronics company that's been serving the community since 1936. Just weeks into his first real job, Mekbib is already showing up early and loving the culture. In this episode, we discuss: 🔥 From Graduation to the Trades: What life looked like before the Trade Collective, and how one conversation changed everything. If you could go back to your high school self, what would you tell them? 🔥 More Than You Think: Why plumbing isn't just about pipes, HVAC isn't just about filters, and how the skilled trades offer more variety and opportunity than most people realize. 🔥 AI-Proof Careers: Why the skilled trades are among the most stable career paths available, and what that means for young people making career decisions right now. Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Follow our journey on social media. Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    56 min

  5. Mar 23

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.5 | Building Opportunities in Construction

    Today we’re talking about the blueprint for careers in carpentry and construction. Welcome to the fifth episode of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. In this episode, our co-hosts Dr. Pete Bavis and Patrick Hughes sit down with Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and John Kenny Jr. of Kenny Construction to discuss career pathways in construction and local opportunities such as the new Ryan Field Stadium project at Northwestern University. Meet The Guests: 🎙️Daniel Biss: Mayor Biss has been in public service for over a decade, as both a representative and a senator in the Illinois legislature, and now as the Mayor of Evanston. Throughout his career, he has been a champion for the community and advocate for local workers. 🎙️ John Kenny Jr.: John is the former CEO of Kenny Construction Company which has been working in the Chicagoland area for decades. He made a name for himself when he was called on by Chicago’s Mayor Daley to help stop the historic 1992 Chicago flood. He brings to the table over 30 years of construction and contracting experience. In this episode, we discuss: 🔥 How can we create local construction jobs at the government level? 🔥 How do we make construction careers more accessible? 🔥 From a local workforce and government perspective, how can a big project, like Ryan Field, create career opportunities in the community? Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday. (Special episode out today!) Review the full vision and follow our journey on social media: Website: https://www.thetradecollective.org/ Instagram: @the_trade_collective Threads: @the_trade_collective Facebook: The Trade Collective LinkedIn: The Trade Collective Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    55 min

  6. Mar 17

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.4 | Igniting Equity From Cradle to Career

    Fires are sparking in the minds of our high school students and we are here to discuss how to cradle these flames. 🔥 Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C) works throughout Evanston to advance equity in the community. EC2C is a collective impact initiative that brings together over 40 partner organizations and 150 community members to create a more fair and equitable community. Their primary goal is to ensure that all youth in Evanston have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy, productive, and satisfying lives by the time they reach age 23. In the third full episode of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective, our hosts Dr. Pete Bavis and Patrick Hughes sit down with Kimberly Holmes-Ross and Baxter Swilley to discuss their work with EC2C. This episode digs into how we can support students in education and career paths while recognizing the structural inequities in our communities. They also discuss how we can holistically support students from classrooms to careers. Meet The Guests: 🎙️Kimberly Holmes-Ross has been working in social services for over 25 years. This experience includes her current work with Evanston Cradle to Career where she is currently the Executive Director. Kimberly strongly believes in fighting inequalities by uplifting less often heard voices through community support. 🎙️ Baxter Swilley has a background in political and corporate in communications. He is currently working as the communications manager for Evanston Cradle to Career. Baxter believes in communicating with the community to discuss and combat inequity. In this episode, we discuss: 🔥What are the goals of EC2C and how do they support students? 🔥What is collective impact? How do we exponentially grow the impact of our collaborations? How does this translate into the skilled trades workforce? 🔥How do we open conversations about race both within our communities and when helping students work towards career opportunities?  🔥How do we expand our image of who belongs in the skilled trades? Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday.  Review the full vision and follow our journey on social media: Website: https://www.thetradecollective.org/ Instagram: @the_trade_collective Threads: @the_trade_collective Facebook: The Trade Collective LinkedIn: The Trade Collective Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    48 min

  7. Mar 4

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.3 | Igniting Curiosity: Finding Your "Why" Through Permission and Play

    We are giving our youth the permission to look inward and find their internal fire. Welcome to the third full episode of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. In this episode, our hosts, Dr. Pete Bavis and Patrick Hughes, sit down with Matthew Cummins and Rosabel “Rosie” Arellano Razo to explore how curiosity and "permission" act as the catalysts for lighting a fire in our students. We discuss how authentic, hands-on experiences, from 3,000-degree molten iron pours to local job shadowing, can transform a student's perspective on their future. We explore the power of intergenerational mentorship and the importance of creating environments where students feel safe to ask questions and experiment with their career paths. The episode digs into how these real-world connections help high school students become Trade Ready™ by graduation. Meet The Guests: 🎙️ Matthew Cummins: An Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University Segal Design Institute and an artist whose work bridges the gap between academic theory and physical fabrication. Matthew is passionate about using geometry and authentic projects to help students find their "why" through curiosity and collaboration. 🎙️ Rosabel “Rosie” Arellano-Razo: A Fellow for Early College and Career Experiences at Evanston Township High School (ETHS). A first-generation college student who navigated her own complex path through higher education. Rosie focuses on student success though career exploration and mentoring, helping students to find and pursue their true passions. In this episode, we discuss: 🔥 Finding Your "Why": How do we get to a student early in their high school career to light a fire and help them explore what they truly love? 🔥 The Power of Permission: Breaking down the barriers that prevent students and adults from looking at the world with curiosity and giving themselves the "green light" to experiment. 🔥 Authentic Projects vs. Classroom Formulas: Why 3,000-degree molten metal and hands-on play create "iron-clad" memories and skills that a standard textbook cannot replicate. 🔥 Scaling Mentorship: With a community of 77,000 adults and 3,600 students, how do we engage our professionals to help guide the next generation? 🔥 The I-Kit Program: A deep dive into the internship and job shadow opportunities available at ETHS that allow students to test-drive careers in the skilled trades and beyond. Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Review the full vision and follow our journey on social media: Website: https://www.thetradecollective.org/ Instagram: @the_trade_collective Threads: @the_trade_collective Facebook: The Trade Collective LinkedIn: The Trade Collective Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    51 min

  8. Feb 17

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.2 | Fan Your Child's Automotive Career Flame

    Fires are sparking in the minds of our high school students and we are ready to fan the flames. Welcome to the second full episode of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. In this episode, our co-hosts sit down with Scott Nelson and Richard Fisher to discuss Scott's journey with his son who changed his path from the traditional college route to a career in the automotive industry. We also discuss how interest in an automotive path can lead to impressive and lucrative jobs. We explored how to encourage and accept our kids engaging in trade passions. The episode digs into the value of exploring local resources and businesses to help high school students become  Trade Ready™at graduation. Meet The Guests: 🎙️Scott Nelson: Trade Collective volunteer and father of a son who now works in the automotive industry. Scott is passionate about increasing engagement and resources for high school students interested in following a skilled trades career pathway.  🎙️ Richard Fisher: The Founder of Autobarn car dealerships in Evanston and Oak Park. Richard has been working in dealerships since the 1980s and started the first Autobarn in 1992 which has served Evanston and the surrounding areas ever since. Richard is passionate about promoting careers in the automotive industry and increasing automotive apprenticeship opportunities.   In this episode, we discuss: 🔥How do we begin the skilled trades conversation? In a world fixated on the idea that everyone should go to college, Patrick, Pete, Richard and Scott discuss how we open conversations and support young people in following passions in the skilled trades.  🔥 Breaking the college barriers: How do we change our community mindset to accept skilled trade pathways as good career options for kids? 🔥The appetizer and the main course: When engaging a student interested in the skilled trades sector, how do we take the appetizer, or initial interest in class, and translate it to the meal, or real industry experience. 🔥 The truth of the automotive industry: What are the real life financial realities of working in the automotive industry. Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday.  Review the full vision and follow our journey on social media: Website: https://www.thetradecollective.org/ Instagram: @the_trade_collective Threads: @the_trade_collective Facebook: The Trade Collective LinkedIn: The Trade Collective Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    41 min

  9. Feb 3

    Fired Up Podcast Ep.1 | The "Two Pieces of Paper" Vision

    Something has sparked at 1910 Greenwood, and we’re ready to talk about it. Welcome to the first full episode of the Fired Up Podcast, a production of The Trade Collective. This show is for students and families navigating post-secondary plans, industry professionals looking at their workforce pipelines, and everyone invested in students having a clear path to a high-paying career. In this debut episode, our co-hosts sit down to discuss why being "Trade Ready" is a game-changer for our community. We explore how to bridge the gap between high school education and the high-paying, dignified careers waiting in the skilled trades within a 10-mile radius of Evanston. Meet Your Hosts: 🎙️ Patrick Hughes (Patrick): Our Founder and "Chief Connector." An Evanston entrepreneur who has spent his life advocating for inclusion and creating organizations like Natural Ties and Inclusion Solutions that break down barriers. 🎙️ Dr. Pete Bavis (Pete): The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at ETHS. With over 16 years at the high school, Pete is a champion for academic pathways and has spent his career ensuring that access and opportunity are available to every student. In this episode, we discuss: 🔥 The "Two Pieces of Paper" Vision: Patrick and Pete dig into how a high school diploma paired with a professional credential can change a student’s life. 🔥 The Local Bricklayer Problem: Why local projects currently import skilled labor from out of state and how we can work to fill those roles with our own graduates. 🔥 The 930 Job Opportunity: Exploring the real labor needs and high demand within a 10-mile radius of Evanston. 🔥 What it Means to be "Trade Ready": How industry exposure can ignite a student's passion for building and creating and what a student needs to know before entering the skilled trades. Join the Movement: New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Review the full vision and follow our journey on social media: Website: https://www.thetradecollective.org/ Instagram: @the_trade_collective Threads: @the_trade_collective Facebook: The Trade Collective LinkedIn: The Trade Collective Contact & Support: General Inquiries: info@thetradecollective.org Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up! 🔥

    38 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Fired Up Podcast: A Trade Collective Production Welcome to the Fired Up Podcast, a local production focused on the Evanston community and the approximately 10 mile radius surrounding it. This show is a dedicated space for the conversations that matter most to our local students, families and businesses. We are exploring how to bridge the gap between high school education and the high paying, dignified careers waiting in the skilled trades. For too long, our community has looked elsewhere for talent while our own students navigated uncertain paths after graduation. We are here to change that narrative. Hosted by Patrick Hughes and Dr. Pete Bavis, this podcast brings together parents, industry leaders, and educators to explore what it actually means to be trade ready in the modern workforce. What to expect on the show: Industry Insights: We sit down with local experts in manufacturing, automotive, plumbing, and other sectors to understand the real world demand right here in our own backyard.Educational Reform: We discuss the two pieces of paper vision, which emphasizes the power of a high school diploma paired with a professional credential to create immediate career security.Community Connection: We share stories from the shop floor and the classroom, highlighting the spark that happens when a student discovers a passion for building and creating.Candid Conversations: These are sincere discussions about how we can better support our youth and strengthen our local economy through direct industry exposure. Meet Your Hosts: Patrick Hughes: The Founder and Chief Connector of The Trade Collective. Patrick is an Evanston entrepreneur and advocate who has spent decades building inclusive partnerships through organizations like Natural Ties and Inclusion Solutions.Dr. Pete Bavis: The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Evanston Township High School. A veteran educator with over 16 years of leadership, Pete is a champion for academic rigor and ensuring every student has access to a successful pathway. Whether you are a parent looking for options for your child, an employer searching for your next great hire, or a neighbor invested in seeing Evanston thrive, it is time to listen in. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Join the movement: Website: thetradecollective.orgSocial Media: @The Trade Collective Igniting the future of the skilled trades. Let's get fired up!

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