Digital Builder How Firms, Educators, and Tech Are Closing the Construction Skills Gap Together
The construction industry faces a growing talent shortage—but innovative partnerships are paving the way forward. In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Nick Otto, Chief Technology Officer at Kimley-Horn, and Beth Ihnatolya, Program Director of Civil Engineering and Geomatics Technology at Wake Technical Community College, to explore how collaboration between firms, educators, and technology providers is creating a job-ready pipeline.
Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why these partnerships matter, how they’re reshaping education, and what it takes to prepare the next generation of construction professionals.
We discuss:
- Why firms, colleges, and tech providers must work together to close the skills gap
- How internships and apprenticeships go beyond “coffee runs” to deliver real-world experience
- The role of advisory boards in aligning curriculum with industry needs
- How Autodesk, Kimley-Horn, and Wake Tech are redesigning courses with hands-on tools
- Practical steps for attracting talent and changing construction’s perception
Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.