Mike Rowe
TV host, Writer, Narrator, Producer, Actor and Spokesman
Teaches:
Lessons from the Dirt
Interview format - hosted by
Dr. Kevin J Fleming
Mike Rowe is a writer, narrator, producer, recording artist, Emmy Award-winning TV Host, New York Times bestselling author, and the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. As the creator and host of the iconic TV series Dirty Jobs, Mike is best known as “the dirtiest man on TV.” In his role as a perpetual apprentice, Mike has highlighted hundreds of workers in dozens of essential industries. His foundation has awarded over six million dollars in work ethic scholarships to nearly 1,500 men and women, and his commitment to reinvigorate the skilled trades is unrivaled.
masterclass DESCRIPTION
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Challenges the “College-for-All” Mindset with Candid Insight
Rowe questions the societal default toward four-year degrees and offers a compelling case for redefining success through skilled trades and alternative pathways. -
Highlights the Value of Hard Work and Personal Responsibility
Drawing from real-world experiences and blue-collar heroes, Rowe reframes work as a source of dignity, identity, and opportunity—not just income. -
Calls for Closing the Skills Gap Through Practical Education
This masterclass encourages educators to align learning with labor market needs, bridging the disconnect between available jobs and the workforce pipeline. -
Demystifies Misconceptions About “Dirty Jobs”
With trademark humor and honesty, Rowe debunks outdated narratives about manual labor, showing that many essential jobs are not only vital—but fulfilling and lucrative. -
Inspires Purpose-Driven Career Exploration
Students are encouraged to ask not just “What do I want to do?” but “Where am I needed?”—a powerful shift that connects individual potential with real-world relevance.
SPEAKER REEL
Program
Work-Based Learning
Even when the US economy is humming along, it contains a strange paradox. Employers have a hard time finding workers, yet simultaneously many workers have a hard time finding appropriate employment. WBL helps learners enter and succeed in their first or next career, yet it remains a tiny percentage of our student experience. We’re proud to feature the most dynamic and sought-after speakers who are true Industry Thought Leaders at the forefront of career-connected learning.
It is time to solve our workforce paradox once and for all.
“Everything that happens to you is a form of instruction if you pay attention“.
Robert Greene (Mastery)