About Us
Bringing the worlds of technical education and industry together
The TechEd Podcast was launched in 2021 to bridge the worlds of technical education and the workforce. Every week we feature a guest who shares innovative ideas, actionable strategies and disruptive initiatives that are changing the technology landscape for the better.
Hosted by author, speaker and industry thought-leader Matt Kirchner, The TechEd Podcast is the only show where you get to hear from both sides of the education-workforce continuum. Educators, employers and students alike will get key insights, inspiration and strategies they can put to work in their own lives every week.
We answer BIG questions like:
- What are the cutting-edge technologies employers are using today?
- How can schools prepare students for these high-tech, high-demand careers?
- What kinds of skills and competencies do employers really need from STEM students?
- What are some of the most innovative collaborations, projects and partnerships that are helping to close the skills gap?
Our Listeners
Educators
Instructors, administrators and career advisors gain great insights on developing the best technical education and STEM programs
Industrial Employers
Employers learn about latest trends in industrial technology and strategies for developing a highly-skilled workforce
Parents & Students
Families and learners get a new understanding of career opportunities in STEM and the skilled trades, and pathways to get there
Policymakers
Leaders in public policy, workforce and economic development get insights that help them support and sustain technical education and the skilled workforce
Our Guest Speakers
We interview the foremost leaders in education, industry, government and non-profit organizations. These individuals are Fortune 500 CEOs and Executives, Presidents and Chancellors...the great minds leading the charge within their organization.
They represent some of the most well- known educational institutions and companies in the world. Just take a look:
Our guests include leaders from...
Hosted by Matt Kirchner
Matt Kirchner is an international speaker, author and podcast host on topics of interest to educators, public policy makers and private employers.
On a mission to secure the American Dream for the next generation of STEM and Workforce talent, Kirchner hosts the weekly TechEd PodcastTM and serves as President of ATS/LAB Midwest, the leading distributor of world-class curriculum, eLearning and training equipment.
Kirchner writes monthly leadership columns appearing in Products Finishing and Production Machining magazines and is the author of “Teaching the Industrial Internet of Things: Preparing Students and Learners for Industry 4.0.”
Previously Kirchner led three world class manufacturing companies during a 20+ career as an industrial CEO. He and his partners sold their last company, American Finishing Resources, to DuBois Chemicals in 2014.
Kirchner serves on the boards of directors of several American companies and among his many volunteer activities is currently the First-Past President of the Education Dealers Association and holds a seat on the board of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance. He is a graduate of the Marquette University School of Business.
What our listeners are saying
The #1 podcast in TechEd
This podcast is a great resource to keep up with all the exciting changes in the world of manufacturing and technology. Get key insight from industry leaders from the Midwest and around the globe that you won’t find anywhere else. A must listen for anyone interested in how technology is changing the way businesses operate.
The pulse of Industry 4.0
This podcast has its fingers on the pulse of Industry 4.0, and Matt K. is a phenomenal guide, traversing the complexities of manufacturing and education in one forum. A+ work all around!
Compelling
I find Matt's approach to be very compelling. He brings both perspectives, industry AND education. He doesn't hold back on what he thinks is important...
New and Exciting Content With Every Episode
I really enjoy listening to this podcast when I'm driving or have a free moment. Each episode brings a new guest with a fresh and exciting perspective of both education and the workforce!
I needed this podcast back when I was in High School!
Such great content that deserves more attention at all level of education. I wish I heard some of these episodes when I was navigating my own career path. Incredible guests, with incredible messages to share. Keep up the great work!
Inspiring topics featuring inspiring leaders
I’ve listened to most of your weekly podcasts and enjoy listening to the stories and conversations that feature business and education leaders from Wisconsin. Kudos to you for creating a platform that presents ideas and success stories that are important to Career and Technical Education teachers and leaders.
Best Career and TechEd Podcast
There are a lot of education podcasts out there. This is the only one that really focuses on bringing together voices from inside AND outside education and focuses specifically on STEM and Career/Tech Ed. This is a great podcast for anyone in education and also for anyone who employs STEM or skilled-trades talent in their workforce.
Filling in Gaps
This show spotlights a large and growing aspect of education that doesn’t get enough attention. Practical and technical education is a field growing exponentially. This podcast Highlights many of the facets of this diverse field.
Fantastic Topics on the Future of Industry
These podcasts are the best for learning about current and future technology. The stories are great. We need more of these interviews.
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