EP 23: Nuclear Fusion and Space Exploration Need the Skilled Trades with Jeremy Hollman

09/28/22 • 44 min

Boldly Going Where the Trades Need to Go

Episode 23

Listen to this episode to hear Derek makes one of his biggest dreams come true! After admiring him for years, Derek gets to discuss energy development and the importance of skilled trades with talented engineer, Jeremy Hollman.

With an impressive resume that includes testing and designing for groundbreaking projects at Boeing, SpaceX and Aurora Flight Sciences, Jeremy is that smart science guy we think only exists in movies like The Saint.

This extensive experience in such an important field sounds intimidating, and that may be the very reason many skilled tradespeople think they need an engineering or advanced science degree to get their foot in the door of cutting-edge industries.

Now leading the development of nuclear fusion technology at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Jeremy shares how his experiences as a student made him aware of how technical workers are crucial to the development of advanced technology.

Be part of the movement that inspires students and laborers to join companies that are changing the world!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Derek’s experience putting together an aerospace conference
How technical skills are key to the aerospace industry
Skills Jeremy was taught by coworkers at SpaceX that can’t be learned from a book
The difference between fusion and fission technology
Why nuclear fusion technology is better for the environment and cost effective
Hurdles faced by private companies to move past the development phase
How Commonwealth Fusion Systems is bringing opportunities to the local community
Progress on the building of Spark, Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ demonstration plant in Devon, MA
How building partnerships with local schools is key to creating a strong and skilled workforce
Reasons many laborers aren’t aware of opportunities in advanced tech fields or don’t want to be a part of it
Why Jeremy made the switch from the defense and aerospace fields to the energy sector with Commonwealth Fusion Systems
How solving energy problems can help solve some of the world’s conflicts
Benefits of working in the private sector to effectively make change
Why government collaboration is important to companies and communities
Movement building to educate and bring communities on board
Current job openings at Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Learn more about Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Browse current job openings at Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Connect with us:

Head to Apple Podcast for more episodes.

Boldly Going Where the Trades Need to Go

Episode 23

Be part of the movement that inspires students and laborers to join companies that are changing the world!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Derek’s experience putting together an aerospace conference
How technical skills are key to the aerospace industry
Skills Jeremy was taught by coworkers at SpaceX that can’t be learned from a book
The difference between fusion and fission technology
Why nuclear fusion technology is better for the environment and cost effective
Hurdles faced by private companies to move past the development phase
How Commonwealth Fusion Systems is bringing opportunities to the local community
Progress on the building of Spark, Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ demonstration plant in Devon, MA
How building partnerships with local schools is key to creating a strong and skilled workforce
Reasons many laborers aren’t aware of opportunities in advanced tech fields or don’t want to be a part of it
Why Jeremy made the switch from the defense and aerospace fields to the energy sector with Commonwealth Fusion Systems
How solving energy problems can help solve some of the world’s conflicts
Benefits of working in the private sector to effectively make change
Why government collaboration is important to companies and communities
Movement building to educate and bring communities on board
Current job openings at Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Learn more about Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Browse current job openings at Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Connect with us:

Head to Apple Podcast for more episodes.

Previous Episode

EP 22: Welding and Virtual Reality Technology Meet at Tulsa Welding School, with Chris Schuler

It may not be a surprise to know the oil and gas industries are major employers for students of the Tulsa Welding School, but what about wind and solar companies and SpaceX?
We really loved hearing these stories from Chris Schuler of Tulsa Welding School and how his love of video games aided in the implementation of a new virtual reality simulator program.
If you're ever in the Tulsa area it's got a great music scene, fantastic places to eat and you may even see Chris tailgating at an Oklahoma State game or watching the Tulsa Oilers play hockey!
Topics discussed in this episode:

Chris Schuler’s backstory and how he came to be a welding instructor at Tulsa Welding School
What inspired Chris to pursue a welding career
What sort of companies are hiring Tulsa Welding students?
How Chris’s love of video games helped shape their welding trainers, using virtual reality technology

Connect with Chris:

Connect with us:

Head to Apple Podcast for more episodes.

Next Episode

EP 24(Part 1): Building a Job Board Just for the Skilled Trades: Filling up the Skill Stadium with Keith Williams (Part 1)

In episode one of a special two-part series, Inside the Trade hosts, Derek and Matt, are joined by fellow podcaster Keith Williams. Since creating Skill Stadium, an online job platform directed at skilled trades, Keith has connected skilled tradespeople to employers.

Keith has brought opportunities to people in a struggling job market, but this is just one part of his mission to bring skilled trades to the forefront and educate the younger generation! He also furthers this agenda by sharing relevant information through interviews on his podcast and videos on his YouTube channel.

On this episode, Keith our hosts talk about how Skill Stadium is different from the standard job platform, the problems businesses are having with hiring in this job market, and differences in each generation of workers. They also discuss a few ways the skills trade industry is failing in nurturing talent and leveraging technology to keep up with the changing market.

Tune in for part one of an informative conversation on skilled trades and how to stand out during a job search in the industry!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Keith on why he started Skill Stadium and his podcast
Using the Skill Stadium platform to find employment
Challenges employers are having with hiring on his platform
The effect of the pandemic and work shortage on work ethic and culture
Does age have an effect on work ethic?
Keith’s interview with a plumbing business owner
The willining to teach and learn skilled trades
Using technology to connect and build the trades

Looking for a job or need to hire skilled tradespeople? Head to Skill Stadium, where they use video to match jobseekers and employers, based on culture, skills, and results!

Learn more about Skill Stadium:

Connect with us:

Head to Apple Podcast for more episodes.