Skilled AF Podcast
Skilled AF Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to the Skilled AF Podcast, where we spotlight the trailblazers, powerhouses, and change-makers shaping the future of the skilled trades and construction industry. Hosted by Amanda Luchetti, founder of The Skilled Project, this podcast dives into raw conversations and authentic stories—unpacking the opportunities, challenges, and life-changing moments that define what it means to be "Skilled AF" while empowering the next generation of workers
The Skilled Project (https://www.theskilledproject.com/) is on a mission to inspire one million people to explore skilled trades and construction-related careers by 2028. Through storytelling, advocacy, and partnership-driven pathway creation, we’re aiming to make these careers more visible, valuable and accessible.
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide range of topics centered around skilled trades and the construction industry, including personal career journeys, mentorship, challenges in the workforce, and advocacy for women in trades. Notable episodes feature discussions about transitioning careers, like Hayley Campbell's leap into electrical work in her 30s, and Marie Patterson's initiatives to foster future leaders in construction education, emphasizing sustainability and job placement.
Welcome to the Skilled AF ™ Podcast, where we spotlight the trailblazers, powerhouses, and change-makers shaping the future of the skilled trades and construction industry. Hosted by Amanda Luchetti, founder of The Skilled Project, this podcast dives into raw conversations and authentic stories with workers, educators, and innovators, that challenge culture, surface success stories and show what a better future for these careers can look like.
The Skilled Project (https://www.theskilledproject.com/) is on a mission to reshape how skilled trades and construction careers are seen, accessed, and experienced, so that more people enter, stay, and thrive.
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Wilson Betances is a master electrician, contractor, author, and the Founder & CEO of Energize Us – a fast-growing education, media, and professional development platform redefining the future of skilled trades leadership. With 17+ years in the electrical trade, Wilson is now focused on addressing the structural issues holding the industry back. Grounded in his lived experience and the mentors who shaped him, he’s challenging the trades to rethink how we recruit, train, and keep skilled workers. Through Energize Us, he’s building a holistic ecosystem that supports people from their first day on the jobsite through becoming successful contractors.
In this interview we cover:
> Wilson’s Journey: Growing up in NYC and entering the electrical trade young
> Cultural Conditioning: Overcoming scarcity mindset, silence, and conflict avoidance
> What Energize Us is: How the platform began and its three pillars: media, education & professional development
> Fixing the Pipeline: Why every contractor demanding “3–5 years experience” is breaking the system
> Apprenticeship Dropout Rates: The real reasons so many apprentices leave within their first year
> Leadership Development: What the new trades leader actually looks like
> Gatekeeping & Culture Problems: Hazing, knowledge hoarding, outdated masculinity, and other norms pushing people away
> Innovating Around Retention: How Energize Us is eliminating real-life bottlenecks like housing, childcare, and support
> Future Vision: Wilson’s goal to influence workforce systems nationally and help modernize trades education and culture
—–
Guest info:
Wilson Betances, Founder & CEO @ Energize Us
Connect with Energize Us, ✉️: [email protected]; Follow on Instagram
Connect with The Skilled Project:
Founder, Amanda Luchetti; ✉️: [email protected]
Follow on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
Subscribe to newsletter
Like the podcast? 🎧
Subscribe to the podcast
Leave a kickass review
Know someone Skilled AF? Submit a story here
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.