In this special episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Victor-Burke, the owner of Burke Architectural Millwork and Bespoke Closets. Kelly has been instrumental in establishing the Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist Apprenticeship in the US, a unique initiative that’s making waves in the industry. Let’s dive into our enlightening conversation.
About Our Guest:
Kelly Victor-Burke is a highly experienced and passionate individual who dedicated 30 years of her life to higher education in the Detroit area. Despite her specialization in geography, tourism, and historic preservation, she became deeply interested in curriculum development and ensuring that students in various fields gained the necessary competence for their careers. This led to engaging discussions with her husband, who was an architectural woodworker.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Key Takeaways:
Background and Entry into Millwork:
- Kelly’s journey began with 30 years in higher education, specializing in geography, tourism, and historic preservation.
- Her passion for curriculum development and ensuring competency in specific fields of study led her to discussions about the millwork industry.
The Importance of Apprenticeships:
- Kelly expresses her excitement about discussing the apprenticeship program.
- Apprenticeship programs are crucial bridges between education and practical application in the industry. One such example is a young man who, after discovering Burke Architectural Millwork on Instagram, expressed his desire to work with them. This showcases the importance of apprenticeship pathways in guiding talent into the industry.
Future Plans and Insights:
- Kelly emphasizes the multifaceted skill set required in the millwork industry, encompassing mathematics, science, engineering, and technology.
- There’s a need to change perceptions about the industry, highlighting that it’s not a last-resort profession but a domain that demands high competence and should attract the brightest minds.
Quotes:
- “And one of the things that was very clear was that this is a profession that is for those who are extremely talented.”
- “I wanted us as a company to be actively engaged in supporting workforce development… this is an industry that has great careers.”
Resources:
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