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College and Career ClarityAuthor: Lisa Marker Robbins
If you are overwhelmed with the college-bound journey, confused by how much things have changed, or frustrated by having more questions than answers, then College and Career Clarity is the compass you need, when you need it most. Weekly episodes with Lisa Marker-Robbins and her guests provide families with strategic guidance to resource your student to make informed choices that align with their passions, purpose, and potential future. Youll be informed to be able to have intentional & productive family conversations grounded in guidance and broken into actionable steps to move from overwhelmed and confused to motivated, clear, and confident about your teens future. Language: en-us Genres: Education, Education for Kids, Kids & Family Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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A Better Path? Why Skilled Trades Might Beat College with JJ Owen
Episode 209
Tuesday, 13 January, 2026
In this episode, Lisa and JJ discuss:Rethinking post-high school pathways and expanding what counts as a successful career beyond the traditional four-year college pathThe role of curiosity, exposure, and hands-on experiences in meaningful career explorationThe growing need for skilled and technical workers across multiple industriesSupporting young people in finding aligned career paths without stigma or judgmentKey Takeaways: Parents and educators can use the same exploration tactics typically used for college-bound students, such as campus visits, informational interviews, and employer outreach, to explore skilled careers through community colleges, apprenticeships, unions, and employer-led training programs.Many high-demand, high-paying careers in construction, manufacturing, supply chain, energy, transportation, facilities operations, and media production do not require a four-year degree yet still offer advancement, entrepreneurship, and long-term stability.Early and repeated exposure starting in elementary and middle school helps normalize skilled careers by showing how interests like sports, music, entertainment, and technology rely on behind-the-scenes technical and trade-based roles.Focusing first on developing a concrete skill, such as welding, carpentry, sound engineering, plumbing, or video production, allows careers to evolve organically into leadership roles, business ownership, storytelling, or adjacent industries over time. “Develop the skill and then be open to where it takes you.” – JJ OwenAbout JJ Owen: JJ Owen is the Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, leading efforts to reframe skilled trades as high-purpose, high-pay careers and connect Gen Z to construction, manufacturing, and technical fields. A strategist and coalition builder, he has focused on field building, systems change, and grassroots engagement. At the Movember Foundation, he grew the U.S. movement to over one million participants and $130M raised. He later held senior partnership roles at Warner Bros. Discovery and AT&T, helping create The Achievery, a media-backed education platform. Raised in California, he now lives in Orange with his wife, two daughters, and Labradors Calvin and Hobbes.Episode References:Sample Birkman Report Available at: flourishcoachingco.com/birkmanGet Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with JJ:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillsjam/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3rss-C99wJSN6JUtPA8A9A/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skilled-careers-coalition/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjowen4/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theskillsjamConnect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co
