#209 A Better Path? Why Skilled Trades Might Beat College with JJ Owen

Flourish Coaching

Jan 13, 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 path
The role of curiosity, exposure, and hands-on experiences in meaningful career exploration
The growing need for skilled and technical workers across multiple industries
Supporting young people in finding aligned career paths without stigma or judgment

Key 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 Owen

About 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/birkman

Get 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).

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