iBuild America Podcast

Half the Time, Twice the Impact: Rethinking Apprenticeship for a New Generation

What happens when two women who've spent careers in the trenches of workforce development sit down and just… tell the truth? Host Lorraine Lane is joined by Meghan Burke, Director of School Employment Programs for Metro South/West Workforce Board, and Apryl Simmons, Consultant for Workforce Development, Healthy Homes Repair Manager, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. What starts as a conversation about WIOA and apprenticeship quickly turns into something much bigger — a real, unfiltered look at what's broken, what's possible, and what's at stake for America's next generation of workers. The hard questions don't get avoided here: Why is Job Corps so siloed from the community resources right outside its fence? Why are students still being set up to train for careers their records will never let them enter? And why aren't young people in these programs being treated like college students instead of high school students? But it's not all problems. Meghan and Apryl bring ideas that cut through the noise — from crediting Job Corps training toward apprenticeship hours (cutting training time in half), to building apprenticeship programs for Job Corps staff, to partnering nationally with mental health platforms to meet a youth mental health crisis that the field can no longer afford to ignore. This is the kind of conversation that makes the complicated feel solvable. Subscribe to the iBuild America Podcast wherever you listen — new conversations every week on the people, programs, and ideas building America's workforce from the ground up.

From Job Corps Counselor to CEO: A Journey of Purpose

What happens when someone believes in you before you believe in yourself? What started as a role helping students at Job Corps became a lifelong mission. Korey Adams reflects on his journey from Job Corps counselor to CEO of Distinction, LLC—and the purpose that guided him every step of the way. But this conversation goes deeper than business. It’s about risk. Resilience. Purpose. And the power of truly seeing people—not just for where they are, but for who they can become. From life lessons at a gas station to leading a growing federal contracting company, Korey opens up about: Why belief changes lives * The realities of leadership and entrepreneurship * What makes Job Corps transformational * Why students succeed when people genuinely care One message stands out: People don’t care what you know until they know that you care. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and hear why purpose-driven leadership still matters.

From Rural Roots to Limitless Possibilities: Inside Talking Leaves Job Corps

What if the life you want is waiting—just outside of what you’ve always known?At the Talking Leaves Job Corps Center, located in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, that’s exactly what’s happening. In this episode, Jill Zimmer shares how this unique center is helping young people—many from rural and tribal communities—step into new opportunities while staying connected to their culture, identity, and community. From open spaces and hands-on training to cultural traditions like Cherokee stickball, Talking Leaves is more than a training center—it’s a place where students begin to see a bigger future for themselves. Because for many, this is the first time they’ve stepped outside what they’ve always known. And that’s where everything changes. Take a chance. Give yourself a chance. Listen now, subscribe, and discover how opportunity and culture come together to shape the next generation.

Every Student Counts: Inside the Heart of Job Corps

Sometimes, all it takes is one person to see something in you. Lorraine Lane sits down with Rodney Butler, Executive Director at Adams and Associates, to talk about a 25-year journey shaped by leadership, growth, and opportunity through Job Corps. Rodney didn’t start where you might expect—from bowling alleys to finance, and eventually into leadership—his path is proof that careers aren’t always linear… but they are full of possibility. What makes this conversation powerful isn’t just his story—it’s what it represents. You’ll hear insights on: • How Job Corps helps young people discover their leadership potential • Why being “seen” can change the trajectory of someone’s life • The importance of culture, communication, and continuous improvement • How leadership skills can transfer across any path • Why “every student counts” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset One message stands out: Opportunity is everywhere—you just need someone to help you see it. If you’ve ever wondered how leadership is built, how lives are changed, or why this work matters—this episode delivers. Listen now, subscribe, and be part of building the next generation of leaders.

Building the Next Chapter of Job Corps

Job Corps has always been about opportunity—and its future is full of even greater potential. In this episode of the iBuild America podcast, Dr. Francis Cole is joined by Korey Adams (CEO, Distinction LLC), Ramon Serrato (CEO, Serrato Corporation), and Brian Fox (CEO, Education & Training Resources) for a powerful panel discussion on what’s next for one of the nation’s most impactful workforce development programs. With decades of combined experience, this group reflects on the strength of Job Corps—and how it can continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. You’ll hear honest perspectives on: • Why compliance alone is no longer enough • How outdated policies are limiting innovation • The urgent need for flexibility at the local level • What AI literacy should actually look like for students • Why investing in staff is just as critical as training students This isn’t just about programs—it’s about preparing people for a future that’s already here. Because when you step back, one thing becomes clear: The foundation is strong—and the future is full of opportunity. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and be part of the next chapter of Job Corps.