The Reemergence of Hands-On Learning
For years, the prevailing message in schools was that a four-year degree was the only path to success. Meanwhile, the skilled trades quietly kept America running — building, repairing, maintaining, and manufacturing nearly everything we rely on daily.
The skilled trades — including electricians, HVAC specialists, welders, automotive technicians, and construction professionals — represent a vital subset of CTE programs focused specifically on hands-on, licensed, and technical expertise.
For years, the prevailing message in schools was that a four-year degree was the only path to success. Meanwhile, the skilled trades quietly kept America running — building, repairing, maintaining, and manufacturing nearly everything we rely on daily.
The Economic Engine of Small Business
The skilled trades are more than job opportunities — they’re a cornerstone of America’s small business ecosystem.
This trend means today’s student apprentice could easily become tomorrow’s business owner. Across the country, experienced tradespeople are launching small companies that serve their local markets with sustainable growth. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), demand for skilled trade instructors and mentors has risen by more than 20% in the past three years, as more workers transition from jobsite expertise to entrepreneurship and training roles.
For educators and business leaders alike, this creates an exciting dual benefit: supporting skilled trades doesn’t just prepare students for employment — it cultivates future employers.
AI and Automation — Why Skilled Trades Stand Apart
But there’s one thing AI can’t do: turn a wrench, weld a joint, install a circuit, or fix a leak. Skilled trade work depends on physical ability, creativity, adaptability, and craftsmanship — skills that remain immune to full automation.
Partnerships That Power the Pipeline
The resurgence of the skilled trades isn’t happening in isolation—it’s being fueled by partnerships that connect schools, industry, and community organizations.
Organizations like ASBO International and EdMarket are creating bridges between K–12 systems and industry leaders to establish tangible pathways from classroom to career.
At the state level, Texas ASBO, Illinois ASBO, and other state affiliates are advancing this mission by helping districts align fiscal management with modern workforce readiness goals. These groups offer professional development, policy advocacy, and vendor collaboration that make CTE and skilled trade investments possible even amid tight budgets.
Districts and cooperatives are taking note. The number of active apprenticeships nationwide has grown steadily past 600,000, with more schools adding CTE pathways to meet this rising demand.
This networked approach — national, state, and local — forms the backbone of a sustainable skilled trades pipeline.
The Local Leadership Imperative
As the federal Department of Education’s footprint continues to narrow, decision-making and funding control are increasingly local. That means school boards are emerging as pivotal players in determining how schools adapt to workforce needs.
Forward-thinking boards and superintendents are forming partnerships with manufacturers, utilities, and trade associations to create high school apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Some regional utilities sponsor lineman academies, while local contractors donate time, tools, and materials to train students directly on real-world projects.
ASBO members — both at the national and state levels — can serve as the fiscal and operational linchpins for these programs. Their leadership ensures that CTE and skilled trade pathways are not just visionary but viable within district budgets.
I’ve always been a “do-it-yourself” kind of person. Not long ago, I hired a plumber to repair an outdoor faucet — one hour of work for $750. When another faucet failed later, I decided to tackle it myself. With the right tools, a few tutorials, and some patience, the fix cost less than $125.
That simple experience underscored a larger truth: people will always pay for expertise, reliability, and craftsmanship. Those who master these skills don’t just create stability for themselves — they create value for others and strength for their communities.
The skilled trades represent more than employment — they represent dignity, independence, and long-term opportunity. They are also one of the few professional paths that remain resilient against AI disruption.
As our education system continues to rebalance, the collaboration between ASBO International, state ASBO affiliates, cooperatives, and community industry partners will be essential to sustaining momentum. By working together, we can ensure students not only gain skills but also discover purpose, pride, and pathways to prosperity.
For me, this isn’t a conclusion — it’s a continuation. After 38 years dedicated to education, I may have retired from my corporate role, but not from the mission. My next chapter is about helping schools, cooperatives, and businesses connect the dots through consulting, speaking, and advocacy.
If your district, cooperative, or organization wants to start or strengthen its skilled trade partnerships, let’s talk. I’m available for consulting, speaking, and strategic guidance.
Because this isn’t just about fixing a faucet — it’s about fixing a pipeline. A talent pipeline. The kind that builds communities, strengthens families, and gives students the pride of saying, “I built that.”
The Tool Belt Generation is here — and it’s building the future.