These Skilled Trade Training Tools Change EVERYTHING | Jen Rutz

These Skilled Trade Training Tools Change EVERYTHING | Jen Rutz

From Manufacturing Insiders by Nate Wheeler

June 4, 2026 · 41 min · Season 1 · Episode 100

About this episode

Nate Wheeler interviews Jen Rutz about modernizing skilled trades training in manufacturing amidst workforce challenges.

Manufacturers are facing a problem that can’t be solved with hiring alone. Decades of skilled trades knowledge are retiring out of the workforce, and many companies still rely on training systems that were built for a different generation. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate sits down with Jen Rutz, President of DCM Tech, to discuss how manufacturers are rethinking skilled trades learning and development in a rapidly changing industry. The conversation explores how companies can preserve tribal knowledge, accelerate workforce development, and modernize training without losing the craftsmanship that built the industry in the first place. It also covers topics surrounding The use of AI in this process, the changing marketing landscape as AI search becomes more prominent, and the use of robotics and automation on the shop floor. For manufacturers trying to prepare the next generation of skilled workers, this episode offers practical insights into one of the industry’s biggest long-term challenges. For manufacturers trying to navigate modern marketing without losing their identity, this episode offers practical insights grounded in real experience. Join the Manufacturing…

People in this episode

Host: Nate Wheeler

Guest: Jen Rutz

Topics covered

  • skilled trades training
  • workforce development
  • modern training systems
  • AI in manufacturing
  • tribal knowledge preservation
  • robotics and automation
  • marketing in manufacturing

Keywords

  • skilled trades
  • training tools
  • manufacturing
  • AI
  • workforce
  • automation
  • marketing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DCM Tech, Manufacturing Insiders Network, weCreate

Places: shop floor

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