Episode 203: News Brief Ep. 2
In this episode:
In this second news brief for May 2026, data show the Carolinas outperforming national trends, with national steel prices up 7% while the region sees a 67% surge in healthcare and power projects, supported by a diverse economy, energy infrastructure, high-end healthcare facilities, and expanding data centers. The hosts discuss workforce and policy efforts, including monitoring North Carolina’s SB 986 Workforce Act to make credentials employer-driven and recognizing journey-level experience alongside four-year degrees, and closely watching South Carolina’s Wage Accountability Act to protect the merit shop, competitive open shop environment amid rapid growth. They highlight outreach to students through SkillsMobile and a gaming curriculum featuring electrical, HVAC, and BIM to improve awareness and retention. The conversation emphasizes mental health (May) and safety (June), urging daily mental health check-ins, “invisible PPE,” and STCKY critical-risk safety focused on high-energy hazards and job-stopping awareness.
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 May 2026 Market Snapshot
00:28 Why Carolinas Are Booming
01:16 Policy and Workforce Watch
02:49 Building the Talent Pipeline
04:19 Mental Health on the Job
05:25 Practical Culture Shifts
07:20 June Safety Month Focus
08:43 People First Wrap Up
