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In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Kelly Victor-Burke, co-owner of Burke Architectural Millwork, and Mark Smith, longtime educator and now brand ambassador for Microvellum, to dive deep into a topic shaping the future of our industry: registered apprenticeships.

From the challenges of finding and developing talent to creating a nationally recognized pathway for careers in woodworking and millwork, Kelly and Mark break down how the industry can solve its workforce crisis, one apprentice at a time.

This episode isn’t just about attracting young talent. It’s about building a sustainable future for woodworking by creating formal systems that train, certify, and empower the next generation.

About Our Guests

• Kelly Victor Burke is a co-owner of Burke Architectural Millwork in Michigan and a passionate workforce advocate. She led the creation of the nation’s first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program and was appointed by the U.S. Department of Labor as an official Apprenticeship Ambassador in 2022.
• Mark Smith is a career educator with over 30 years of experience teaching industrial technology and wood programs. A former national director for WoodLINKS USA, Mark is now a brand ambassador for Microvellum, where he continues to advocate for training and apprenticeship pathways in woodworking.

Where to Learn More

• Apprenticeship Background Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1svq2QPs8pWhqzwdrTuRQ6GKVtv5ClDrw/view?usp=drive_link
• Woodwork Installation Specialist Apprenticeship Survey: https://forms.gle/igYy57HFT35RDH7R8
• Company Websites:
  • http://www.burkemillwork.com/
  • https://www.microvellum.com/
• Social Media & Professional Contacts:
  • Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-victor-burke-451aa35/
  • Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksmitheducate/
  • Burke Architectural Millwork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burke-architectural-millwork/
  • Microvellum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microvellum/
  • Kelly’s Email: kelly@burkemillwork.com

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