Ep 2059: A Solution to the Tradesman Shortage

There’s a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, but one man, Dave Hataj of Edgerton Gear, is addressing the problem head-on. Dave shares the inspiring story of how his company, facing a hiring crisis, developed the "Craftsman with Character" program to engage local high school students who are often overlooked by the traditional education system. This program, now a formal course in several Wisconsin schools, provides hands-on mentoring and character development, helping students discover their potential in the trades and instilling in them a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Dave's initiative is now expanding beyond Wisconsin, with other states taking notice of this innovative approach to bridging the skills gap and empowering the next generation of craftsmen. Even the US Navy has recruited his ingenuity as part of its submarine building plans. ( https://www.buildsubmarines.com/ ) He emphasizes how God, a God of goodness, needs more good workers, and that’s Dave’s goal (which you can read more about in his book Good Work https://www.amazon.com/Good-Work-Collar-Business-Communities/dp/0802419577 ). We’re thankful that Dave said “yes” to returning to the family business (listen to that story in his previous interview https://www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2021/celebrating-our-blue-collar-workers ) and is now making BIG waves for the Kingdom in the lives of so many across the country.

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Guests: Dave Hataj

Ministry: Edgerton Gear ( http://www.edgertongear.com ); Craftsman with Character Foundation ( http://www.cwcharacter.org )

iWork4Him Audio Podcast - https://www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2024/2059