IBEW’s Bob Brock on Apprenticeship, Organizing, and the Future of Skilled Trades

IBEW’s Bob Brock on Apprenticeship, Organizing, and the Future of Skilled Trades

What does it take to build the workforce of tomorrow? In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly Moore sits down with Bob Brock, IBEW Regional Organizing Coordinator, to discuss labor leadership, organizing, registered apprenticeship, and why skilled trades remain one of America’s most powerful career pathways. A timely conversation for workforce leaders, employers, educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about building stronger talent pipelines.

Powering the Clean Workforce: Talent Pipelines with Emily Marino

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly Moore sits down with Emily Marino, Deputy Director of New Energy New York at Binghamton University, to explore how we build a workforce ready for the future of clean energy. As battery manufacturing, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing continue to expand, the demand for a skilled workforce is accelerating. This conversation highlights how regional innovation ecosystems are aligning research, industry, and workforce systems to create scalable talent pipelines. Listeners will gain insight into: *  Clean energy workforce development strategies  *  Battery manufacturing and energy storage careers  *  The role of cross-sector collaboration in building talent pipelines  *  How education, industry, and workforce systems must align to meet demand  Apprenticeships WORK! brings together leaders from across sectors to share real-world solutions shaping the future of work. 🎧 Follow, rate, and share to stay connected to the latest in workforce innovation.

Powering the Future Workforce

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly Moore sits down with Mike Partin to discuss workforce challenges facing electric cooperatives amid electrification and grid modernization. Topics include rural workforce strain, talent pipeline development, technology advancing faster than training systems, registered apprenticeships as a learn-and-earn solution, and long-term workforce sustainability. This conversation explores how nationally registered apprenticeships can power America’s energy transition while strengthening rural communities.

From Apprenticeship to Policymaker

In this episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly A. Moore speaks with Senator Cory McCray about how a union-based registered apprenticeship transformed his life — creating economic mobility, early homeownership, and a pathway into public service. Now a legislative leader championing workforce policy, Senator McCray shares insights on workforce development as community uplift, policy reform, barriers to entry in skilled trades, cross-sector collaboration, and the future of equitable apprenticeship ecosystems. This episode is essential for employers, policymakers, educators, labor leaders, and workforce practitioners committed to building inclusive talent pipelines.

Why Apprenticeships WORK—Now More Than Ever

In this inaugural episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, we launch a national conversation on why apprenticeships are one of the most powerful, proven strategies for building a skilled, future-ready workforce. In this candid discussion, the Dave Reaves, Chairman, Clean Technology Training Trust shares leadership insights on the current workforce landscape, the growing demand for employer-driven talent pipelines, and why apprenticeships are delivering results for businesses, workers, and communities alike. The conversation explores how apprenticeships align education and industry, reduce time-to-fill for critical roles, and create equitable, earn-and-learn pathways into high-quality careers. Listeners will hear reflections on leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and the role of labor, employers, and education partners in scaling what works. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about apprenticeships, what it takes to move from pilot programs to sustainable systems, and why this moment demands bold, coordinated action. Whether you’re an employer, policymaker, workforce leader, educator, or labor partner, this episode sets the foundation for understanding why apprenticeships aren’t a trend—they’re a solution.