Historic investments in manufacturing and AI data centers are creating a new wave of opportunities in skilled trades. But that opportunity isn’t always accessible, especially for workers facing barriers like childcare, housing, transportation, or financial pressures.

In this episode, David Etzwiler speaks with Rachel Korberg, Executive Director of the Families & Workers Fund, a coalition dedicated to expanding economic mobility and helping people enter high-quality, family-sustaining careers. Rachel shares how the Fund is supporting more than 1.3 million workers and learners, why wraparound services can be game-changing, and how cross-sector partnerships are reshaping workforce systems across the country.

She also discusses the Fund’s collaboration with the Siemens Foundation to expand pathways into electrical jobs — a sector poised for massive long-term growth.

Show notes

Press Release: Siemens to Train 200,000 U.S. Electricians & Manufacturers

More about the Families & Workers Fund: https://familiesandworkers.org/