Opening Doors to Construction Careers:
The 2026 Craft Leader Panel
What does it take to build a stronger workforce for the future of construction?
Hosted by Erin Bibo, Executive Director of Hire Local D.C., the 2026 Craft Leader Panel brings together industry professionals from across the construction community to share their experiences, challenge misconceptions about careers in the trades, and explore how we can create stronger pathways into the industry.
Whether you are an industry leader looking to improve retention, an educator guiding students, or someone considering a career change, this on-demand panel explores what the path into construction really looks like and how we can present the trades as a "Plan A."
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Make construction a Plan A for the next generation
Discover how industry professionals are challenging misconceptions about careers in the trades, creating stronger pathways into the industry, and empowering the next generation to earn a high wage without college debt.
Key Insights and Takeaways
This panel moves beyond traditional recruiting advice to offer an honest, multifaceted look at building a career in the trades. Key topics of discussion include:
Career Pathways Beyond the Field
Discover how registered apprenticeships build lifelong careers and serve as stepping stones to roles in CAD and drafting, estimating, project management, engineering, business ownership, and executive leadership.
The Power of Early Exposure
Learn why introducing students to the trades through middle-school programs, internships, and career and technical education (CTE) is critical to building a sustainable talent pipeline.
Honest Expectations for Newcomers
Get a candid view of what employers actually look for: teachability, punctuality, and initiative, as well as the physical demands and real-world hurdles early talent faces.
A Modern, Tech-Driven Industry
Hear how construction is evolving beyond tools and trucks to incorporate field technology, custom software, and AI.
Meet the Panelists
The panel features real career stories from professionals working across the industry, from a first-year apprentice to a licensed electrician to a vice president at a mechanical contractor:
Mysoun Patrick
First-Year Carpenter Apprentice, Turner Construction
Mysoun’s path started in 9th grade with a youth trades program in Washington, D.C., where he learned about safety, electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry. He chose the trades to build practical skills and start earning right away, and today he returns on Saturdays as an assistant instructor for the next group of young builders.
Toni Casey
Electrician, Apprenticeship Program Experience, DOEE
Toni's path to the trades began with a high-school summer internship at a prefab shop, where she discovered her enjoyment of the work and the strong earning potential of electricians. Today, she works in workforce development, helping students explore opportunities in the electrical industry.
Anne Finerfrock
Vice President, WE Bowers
Anne oversees corporate initiatives, shop fabrication, and workforce development at WE Bowers, a large union mechanical contractor. She entered the industry after a transformative summer internship and transitioned into project management and preconstruction. During the panel, Anne discusses how modern jobsites rely heavily on field and application technology. She emphasizes that field experience is often just a launching pad for roles in CAD drafting, estimating, engineering, and executive leadership, and reminds newcomers that employers are ultimately looking for teachability, strong fundamentals, and a willingness to learn.
Explore Companion Resources
The conversation doesn't stop when the video ends. We have provided tailored resources to help you take action on your jobsites and in your community:
EXPAND OPPORTUNITY
Invest in outreach and hiring initiatives that showcase the rewarding, long-term careers available in construction. We’re committed to making these pathways visible and accessible to diverse talent.
EMPOWER GROWTH
Open doors through hands-on learning like internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships. These programs equip new and current employees with skills to advance and thrive at every stage of their careers.
CULTIVATE BELONGING
Build workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. From leadership to frontline teams, we prioritize inclusive cultures that foster collaboration, dignity, and innovation.
