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—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.
Amy Atchley is the co-founder and owner of Amy’s Roofing & Solar, a solar and roofing company based in Sonoma County, California. After 16 years as a high school educator, Amy made a bold leap during the pandemic, leaving the classroom to build a purpose-driven trades business alongside her husband. Together, they’ve created not just a company, but new kinds of skilled jobs to meet the demands of the clean energy transition. Amy is part of a growing movement of leaders reshaping the trades through innovation, inclusion and equity.
In this episode we cover:
> Amy’s Career Pivot: From high school teacher to co-founder of a solar roofing company
> Solar Roofing as a Net New Skilled Job: How clean energy is creating hybrid roles that didn’t exist before
> On-the-Job Training: Why most training happens hands-on and the lack of standardized solar & roofing education
> Workforce Challenges: Aging workforce, difficulty finding people willing to do physically demanding roofing jobs, and the ongoing “race to the bottom” in contractor pricing
> Immigration + Labor Inequity: Amy discusses undocumented labor, exploitation, how contractors skirt the system, and why the system makes it so hard to do the right thing
> California Policy Friction: Why current licensing and apprenticeship models don’t support solar and battery storage roles, and the tension between the solar and electrician worlds in California
> Advice to Her Younger Self: “Do the thing you want to do. Don’t psych yourself out. You’ll figure it out along the way.”
> Finding Mentorship: The importance of a mentor when you’re starting a business. Shoutout to Letitia Hanke of The LIME Foundation and ARS Roofing
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Guest info:
Amy Atchley, Co-Founder & Owner, Amy’s Roofing & Solar
Connect with The Skilled Project:
Founder, Amanda Luchetti; ✉️: [email protected]
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Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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