The Trade Collective has launched the Fired Up Podcast, now available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Co-hosted by Patrick Hughes, Founder of The Trade Collective, and Dr. Pete Bavis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Evanston Township High School (ETHS), the podcast is designed to broaden community awareness of skilled trades careers as high-quality, attainable pathways for students — particularly those not planning to pursue a four-year college degree.
Episodes feature conversations with ETHS students and alumni who have transitioned into trades careers, parents navigating postsecondary planning, local employers, educators, and workforce development leaders. Topics range from work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities to the equity dimensions of trades access and what it means to be “Trade Ready” at graduation.
New episodes are released every other Thursday. To listen or share with students and families, search “Fired Up Podcast Trade Collective” on any major podcast platform or visit thetradecollective.org.