OUR STAFF
NSTN Founder
Michael Watkins, Sr
Executive Director
Michael Watkins is the owner of Watt 1 Electrical Systems LLC, a state of Ohio licensed Electrical Contracting business that he founded back in 2000.
Michael has certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the most widely recognized certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. He also has a certification from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP). EVITP is a program that provides training and certification for Electrical Contractors installing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Along with several board seats, Michael is most proud of being the Executive Director of the National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN). NSTN is a National Center for Construction and Research (NCCER) Accredited Training Program (ATP).
NSTN Founder
Michael Watkins, Sr
Executive Director
Michael Watkins is the owner of Watt 1 Electrical Systems LLC, a state of Ohio licensed Electrical Contracting business that he founded back in 2000.
Michael has certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the most widely recognized certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. He also has a certification from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP). EVITP is a program that provides training and certification for Electrical Contractors installing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Along with several board seats, Michael is most proud of being the Executive Director of the National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN). NSTN is a National Center for Construction and Research (NCCER) Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS).
NSTN Founder
Howard Williams
Executive Director Operations
Howard is the owner of Willco Services LLC, a Home Improvement contracting company. Howard has a General Contractors License as well as a Home Improvement General Contractors License.
Howard started his career after graduating from Connelly Vocational H.S. in Pittsburgh, PA.
After High School Howard entered the U.S. Army. Where he learned the discipline to achieve his goals.
Howard realized back in 2002 that there were no young people entering the construction trades, so he started the Columbus Skilled Trades Network. Which is now the National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN), a 501-C3 Non Profit with the main goal of informing youth and young adults about the many lucrative career opportunities in the construction industry, and making available the NCCER accredited certifications training that would allow youth and young adults to enter the construction industry.
NSTN Founder
Howard Williams
Executive Director Operations
Howard is the owner of Willco Services LLC, a Home Improvement contracting company. Howard has a General Contractors License as well as a Home Improvement General Contractors License.
Howard started his career after graduating from Connelly Vocational H.S. in Pittsburgh, PA.
After High School Howard entered the U.S. Army. Where he learned the discipline to achieve his goals.
Howard realized back in 2002 that there were no young people entering the construction trades, so he started the Columbus Skilled Trades Network. Which is now the National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN), a 501-C3 Non Profit with the main goal of informing youth and young adults about the many lucrative career opportunities in the construction industry, and making available the NCCER accredited certifications training that would allow youth and young adults to enter the construction industry.
Michelle Watts
Executive Director, She Builds Construction
Michelle has a B.S. in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University and an M.B.A from Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio). She has devoted her extra time to help students succeed in school and in life.
Early in her career, Michelle was a math and science tutor/mentor for the Ohio Wesleyan University Upward Bound Program. After the Upward Bound program, Michelle started volunteering for Westerville Caring and Sharing, a 5013c organization, dedicated to supporting students with school supplies and gifts for the holidays. Before the pandemic, Michelle was also a mentor for the Westerville City Schools M.O.D.E.L. program for middle school girls.
After retiring in 2022, Michelle joined National Skilled Trades Network, and became an NCCER certified craft instructor. She became NSTN’s math instructor. In the spring of 2023, Michelle became the Executive Director of She Builds Construction, an all female program dedicated to increasing the number of women in the skilled trades. The program will be taught by women who are NCCER certified craft instructors.
Michelle Watts
Executive Director, She Builds Construction
Michelle has a B.S. in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University and an M.B.A from Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio). She has devoted her extra time to help students succeed in school and in life.
Early in her career, Michelle was a math and science tutor/mentor for the Ohio Wesleyan University Upward Bound Program. After the Upward Bound program, Michelle started volunteering for Westerville Caring and Sharing, a 5013c organization, dedicated to supporting students with school supplies and gifts for the holidays. Before the pandemic, Michelle was also a mentor for the Westerville City Schools M.O.D.E.L. program for middle school girls.
After retiring in 2022, Michelle joined National Skilled Trades Network, and became an NCCER certified craft instructor. She became NSTN’s math instructor. In the spring of 2023, Michelle became the Executive Director of She Builds Construction, an all female program dedicated to increasing the number of women in the skilled trades. The program will be taught by women who are NCCER certified craft instructors.
Randal Gaddis
Executive Director, NCCER Education
Randal L. Gaddis, I., is CEO and owner of Gaddis & Son, Inc. His company specializes in pouring concrete flat work. Founded in 1971 by his parents, Randal has over 40 years of hands-on business experience gained from working with his parents; and he has a B.A. in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Randal has a General Contractors License and a Home improvement General Contractors License.
Randal Gaddis and his son Matthew are co-founders of Ready Mix Go, a new and unique concrete delivery service, serving Central Ohio’s small contractors. Randal earned accreditation as a Certified Craft Instructor through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
He is on staff with the National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN). NSTN is a non-profit 501c3 that exists to introduce, encourage, and train individuals for a sustainable career in the construction trades.
Randal Gaddis
Executive Director, NCCER Education
Randal L. Gaddis, I., is CEO and owner of Gaddis & Son, Inc. His company specializes in pouring concrete flat work. Founded in 1971 by his parents, Randal has over 40 years of hands-on business experience gained from working with his parents; and he has a B.A. in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Randal has a General Contractors License and a Home improvement General Contractors License.
Randal Gaddis and his son Matthew are co-founders of Ready Mix Go, a new and unique concrete delivery service, serving Central Ohio’s small contractors. Randal earned accreditation as a Certified Craft Instructor through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
He is on staff with the National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN). NSTN is a non-profit 501c3 that exists to introduce, encourage, and train individuals for a sustainable career in the construction trades.