Join host Craig Williams for an inspiring conversation with Ellen Burns, Dean of Career and Technical Education, and Jessa Morgan, Trades Program Advocate at Carl Sandburg College. Together, these two dynamic leaders are revolutionizing how students discover and pursue careers in the skilled trades.

Discover how Sandburg's "Goldilocks approach"—not too big, not too small, but just right—creates an ecosystem where students thrive through hands-on learning, strong industry partnerships, and innovative technology like VR career exploration. Learn about hidden gem programs like industrial maintenance, where 19-year-olds can earn $70,000+ annually, and medical office administration that offers remote work opportunities.

Ellen and Jessa share candid insights about leading in traditionally male-dominated fields, how the pandemic unexpectedly enhanced CTE programming, and why their approach of "making it feel like home" is producing remarkable results. From state-of-the-art facilities that rival professional workplaces to the power of eating lunch together in a shared student lounge, this conversation reveals the human side of technical education.

Whether you're a student exploring career options, a parent wondering about alternatives to traditional four-year degrees, or someone considering a career change at any age, this episode demonstrates why the skilled trades represent opportunity, security, and fulfillment in today's economy.

Join host Craig Williams for an inspiring conversation with Nate Budde, a 40-year-old career changer who traded retail management for network administration, and Linda Lee, whose 24-year journey at Carl Sandburg College spans the entire digital revolution.

Discover why information technology careers are perfect for both first-time students and career changers, how Sandburg's flexible programming accommodates working adults, and why the best IT professionals often come from unexpected backgrounds. Learn about real earning potential—from $40,000 help desk positions to $55,000+ network administrator roles—and explore how hands-on internships and industry certifications create direct pathways to employment.

Nate shares his transformation from missing family time due to retail hours to building a career that offers both financial security and work-life balance. Linda reveals how 24 years of teaching technology has shown her that problem-solving skills matter more than age, and why mixing traditional students with career changers makes both groups stronger.

Whether you're troubleshooting your home WiFi or figuring out why the office printer won't work, you might already have the foundation for an IT career. This conversation explores how Sandburg's approach to technology education meets students where they are, regardless of their background or previous experience.

Join host Craig Williams for an illuminating conversation with Ashley Reeves, dental hygiene educator at Carl Sandburg College, and Alan Castro Medrano, a recent graduate now serving rural communities at Eagle View Community Health Center.

Discover why dental hygiene is far more than "tooth scraping"—it's prevention, health education, and community care rolled into one essential profession. From cutting-edge laser technology and handheld X-ray devices to the timeless art of building patient trust, this episode reveals the sophisticated training and genuine compassion that define modern dental hygienists.

Alan shares his journey from caring for younger siblings to serving special needs patients across rural Illinois, while Ashley explains how Sandburg's program combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience. Learn about national board certifications, the latest AI applications in dentistry, and why this field offers exceptional job security and meaningful work.

Whether you're a high school student exploring healthcare careers or someone curious about the skilled trades that keep our communities healthy, this conversation will change how you think about that next dental appointment—and the dedicated professionals who make oral health accessible to everyone.