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KQED Presents ‘Roadtrip Nation: Built on Skills’ — A New Documentary Series on Unconventional Career Paths

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From left, roadtrippers Petra, Avery, and Garrett pilot a boat around the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California

KQED proudly announces the premiere of Roadtrip Nation: “Built on Skills,” a compelling two-part documentary airing on KQED 9 on Saturday, September 14th, at 6 p.m., and on public television stations nationwide (check local listings).

In today’s evolving job market, many individuals seek to advance their careers but struggle to connect their current skills and experiences to new opportunities. Roadtrip Nation: “Built on Skills” follows three individuals on a journey to explore unconventional career paths and discover what’s possible in their current fields. The documentary features Avery, Garrett, and Petra as they interview professionals who have successfully transitioned from roles such as retail staff, customer service representatives, and food service workers into fulfilling careers.

Avery, originally from Mississippi and now based in rural New York, has extensive experience in customer service roles across various sectors, including pizza establishments, hotels, and casinos. With dual associate degrees and a Google IT Support Specialist certificate, Avery is exploring opportunities in technology and healthcare, driven by a passion for making a positive impact on others’ lives.

Garrett, an Oregon resident with a background in seasonal work and Apple-related roles, is transitioning into data analytics. He aims to leverage his skills to create meaningful change in mission-driven sectors like nonprofits, small businesses, and healthcare. Garrett seeks to connect with professionals who share his commitment to community-focused work.

Petra, a seasoned restaurant employee from Southern California and a single mother, has juggled bartending, serving, and managing a restaurant while pursuing an associate degree. Now, she is ready to shift her focus towards new career opportunities, potentially in a different city, and seeks guidance on how to maximize her skills for better prospects.

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Through their journey, Avery, Garrett, and Petra encounter individuals who have successfully navigated similar career transitions. Their stories highlight that career advancement is achievable through skills and experience, even without formal degrees or certifications.

Roadtrip Nation: “Built on Skills” showcases the diverse pathways to career growth and emphasizes that skill acquisition can be as valuable, if not more so, than traditional qualifications. Join Avery, Garrett, and Petra as they discover how everyday people are advancing their careers and achieving their professional goals.

For more information about the documentary, contact:
Dan Ford
949-764-9121
dford@roadtripnation.org

Featured Leaders and Locations

Terrence Cummings
Chief Opportunity Officer, Guild Education
Costa Mesa, CA

Rita Fennelly-Atkinson
Senior Director of Credentials, Digital Promise
Costa Mesa, CA

Sam Haupert
Software Developer, Catalyte
Portland, OR

Wes Bernegger
Data Director, Periscopic
Bend, OR

Madeline Cates
Owner, Nomad Traveling Cocktail Bar
Glendora, CA

Jameslee Gambardella
Program and Project Management Analyst, Accenture
New York, NY

Steven Flenory
VP of Platform Technology, WB Games
Troy, NY

Rose Sikdur
Sr. Sales Development Representative
San Francisco, CA

Roadtrip Nation: “Built on Skills” is made possible by Walmart.org, with advisory support from Digital Promise

Distributor: American Public Television (APT)
Presenting Station: KQED, San Francisco

Websites and Social Media
“Built on Skills”:
roadtripnation.com/roadtrip/built-on-skills-documentary

Roadtrip Nation:
roadtripnation.com
x.com/RoadtripNation
facebook.com/RoadtripNation
instagram.com/roadtripnation
youtube.com/roadtripnation

About APT
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, The Indian Doctor, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Front & Center, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. aptonline.org

About KQED
KQED serves the people of Northern California with a public-supported alternative to commercial media. An NPR and PBS affiliate based in San Francisco, KQED is home to one of the most listened-to public radio stations in the nation, one of the highest-rated public television services and an award-winning education program helping students and educators thrive in 21st-century classrooms. A trusted news source and leader and innovator in interactive technology, KQED takes people of all ages on journeys of exploration — exposing them to new people, places and ideas. kqed.org

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