Skills_First
Welcome to the Skills First podcast, brought to you by The Apprenticeship Playbook. This podcast is your go-to resource for exploring the transformative world of skills-first hiring and modern tech apprenticeships. Whether you’re part of a community-based organization, a funder, an educator, or a company eager to implement innovative hiring practices, this show is for you. Join host Mike Roberts as he engages with industry leaders and pioneers who are redefining the pathways to tech careers. Discover actionable insights, best practices, and strategies to foster inclusive, skills-based opportunities that empower individuals and drive organizational success. Tune in and be part of the movement that’s shaping the future of work.
Episodes
10 episodes
Mastering STEM Communication: Neil Thompson's Journey from Engineer to Coach
Unlock the secrets to mastering communication as a STEM professional by tuning into our conversation with Neil Thompson, the founder of Teach the Geek. Neil's journey from product development engineer to communication coach offers valuable insi...
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11:38
From Ministry to Code: William Kevin Roxton's Tech Transformation
What if you could completely reinvent your career and find your true calling in an entirely new field? Former pastor William Kevin Roxton did just that by transitioning into a successful career as a software engineer. Join us as William shares ...
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16:58
Transforming Lives Through Code: Bernadette Bolaños' Inspiring Journey in Tech
Ever wondered how learning to code can transform your life and career? Join us for an inspiring chat with Bernadette Bolaños, a software apprentice at ServiceNow, as she shares her remarkable journey into the tech industry. Bernie discusses how...
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13:55
Apprenticeships and Adaptability: Todd Basher's Unique Journey
Ever wondered how a high school speech teacher transforms into a tech industry leader? Meet Todd Basher, co-founder of New Rocket and our guest for this episode. Todd’s unique journey from humanities to tech illustrates the power of diverse bac...
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10:28
From Smog Technician to Tech Consultant: Julian Gonzalez's Inspiring Journey
What if you could transform your career from a grueling, heat-soaked job to a thriving position in tech, all during a global pandemic? Julian Gonzalez did just that. Join us as we discuss Julian's inspiring journey from being a smog technician ...
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10:09
A Teacher's Leap into Tech: Rosalyn's Success Story
Can a global pandemic be the catalyst for discovering your true passion? Join us on this eye-opening episode of the Skills First podcast as we journey through Rosalyn from Pong's incredible transformation from a fourth-grade teacher to a softwa...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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8:51
Empowering Tech Careers: Kanika Tolber's Path to Success
Get ready to uncover the secrets to building a successful tech career with our special guest Kanika Tolber, a powerhouse in the ServiceNow space and the visionary behind Career Rehab. Learn how an early passion for web development during the ag...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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12:06
Tech Apprenticeships: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures – Featuring Vanessa Russell
Unlock the secrets to transforming lives through tech apprenticeships in this episode of Skills First, the Apprenticeship Playbook Podcast. Join us as we sit down with Vanessa Russell, the inspiring founding executive director of Love Never Fai...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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20:40
Empowering the Next Generation: Jasmine LaFleur's Journey in Aerospace Engineering
How does one overcome skepticism and numerous barriers to achieve a successful career in aerospace engineering? Meet Jasmine LaFleur, an accomplished aerospace engineer at Collins Aerospace and co-founder of Greater Than Tech, who shares her re...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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18:59
Arlan Hamilton: Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital
Arlen Hamilton, the trailblazing founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, shares her profound journey as a Black, gay woman shaking up the venture capital industry—a domain long dominated by white males. Tune in to gain invaluable ins...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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11:31