Podcast Episode
Ep 15: Rewiring the Trades: How Wilson Betances is Building a New Generation of Skilled Leaders
About this episode
Wilson Betances is a master electrician, contractor, author, and the Founder & CEO of Energize Us – a fast-growing education, media, and professional development platform redefining the future of skilled trades leadership. With 17+ years in the electrical trade, Wilson is now focused on addressing the structural issues holding the industry back. Grounded in his lived experience and the mentors who shaped him, he’s challenging the trades to rethink how we recruit, train, and keep skilled workers. Through Energize Us, he’s building a holistic ecosystem that supports people from their first day on the jobsite through becoming successful contractors.
In this interview we cover:> Wilson’s Journey: Growing up in NYC and entering the electrical trade young> Cultural Conditioning: Overcoming scarcity mindset, silence, and conflict avoidance
> What Energize Us is: How the platform began and its three pillars: media, education & professional development
> Fixing the Pipeline: Why every contractor demanding “3–5 years experience” is breaking the system
> Apprenticeship Dropout Rates: The real reasons so many apprentices leave within their first year
> Leadership Development: What the new trades leader actually looks like
> Gatekeeping & Culture Problems: Hazing, knowledge hoarding, outdated masculinity, and other norms pushing people away
> Innovating Around Retention: How Energize Us is eliminating real-life bottlenecks like housing, childcare, and support
> Future Vision: Wilson’s goal to influence workforce systems nationally and help modernize trades education and culture
-----Guest info:Wilson Betances, Founder & CEO @ Energize UsConnect with Energize Us, ✉️: Info@EnergizeUs-EDU.today; Follow on InstagramConnect with Wilson on Instagram & LinkedIn
Connect with The Skilled Project:Founder, Amanda Luchetti; ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.comFollow on Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeSubscribe to newsletter
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