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Facility Voices

From Tools to Talent: Tackling the Skilled Trades Shortage in Healthcare

44:33 min
David Trask, National Director, ARC Facilities

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Joe Fullington, E.d.D, MBA, CHFM, Director of Facility Services at Duke Health, to explore the growing urgency around skilled trades in healthcare facilities. Joe shares his unconventional journey from electrician to educator to facilities leader, and breaks down the real-world challenges of talent shortages, knowledge loss, and regulatory pressure.

He also shares the internship program he helped develop—designed to bridge the gap left by retiring staff and provide a clear path into healthcare facilities careers for the next generation. From partnering with technical colleges to equipping interns with hands-on experience and guaranteed job placements, Joe’s approach is creating real impact.

If you're concerned about the future of your facilities team—or curious how to grow talent from within—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.


Joe Fullington  profile image

Joe Fullington

Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout

Director of Facility Services at Duke Health

Joe Fullington holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and a bachelor’s in Business from Columbia College of Missouri. He began his career as an electrician, later serving as a dean at a technical college before returning to healthcare facilities management. Now Director of Facility Services at Duke Health, Joe combines his backgrounds in trades and education to develop workforce pipelines and mentor the next generation of skilled professionals.

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The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.