Career Paths

8 articles

Diverse group of young people learning and working in skilled trades, symbolizing the urgent need for new talent in the industry.
Trades

Skilled Trades Need 2.1 Million Workers by 2030. Attracting Talent in 2026 is Key.

Last year, nearly 600,000 jobs were posted for major skilled trades positions, yet only about 150,000 new workers entered the labor pool through apprenticeship programs.

Ben Foster·July 16, 2026
Indian immigrant engineer looking stressed in an office versus a happy Indian immigrant tradesperson holding tools with pride in Australia.
Trades

Indian immigrants find trades pay well, rivaling engineering

An Indian man in Australia shared that plumbers there earn more respect than engineers do in India.

Rick Donovan·July 6, 2026
Experienced tradespeople mentoring young apprentices in a workshop, highlighting the importance of guidance in closing the skilled trades gap.
Trades

Mentorship Programs are Key to Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap by 2026

Despite a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, 35 percent of middle and high school parents believe vocational programs are only for 'high-achieving' students, revealing a deep-seated percepti

Rick Donovan·June 30, 2026
Robotics technician in India working with advanced AI machinery, symbolizing the rise of skilled trades over traditional white-collar jobs.
Trades

India's skilled trades outpace MBAs in AI era

Demand for robotics technicians in India has skyrocketed by over 500% in just four years, far outpacing the growth and salary increases seen in many entry-level white-collar jobs.

Rick Donovan·June 17, 2026
High school students actively participating in vocational training exhibits at the YES! Expo, showcasing diverse career paths.
Trades

Vocational training is key to closing the skills gap. Are schools listening?

Over 3,300 high school students recently flocked to the YES!

Scott Ramirez·May 15, 2026
Young apprentice on a construction site, symbolizing opportunity and financial success through skilled trades.
Trades

Hands-on apprenticeships pay more than you think

The average starting salary after completing an apprenticeship program is a surprising $77,000, offering a direct path to financial stability without college debt.

Ben Foster·May 5, 2026
Young person contemplating career choices between university and skilled trades, with rising blue-collar wages as a factor.
Trades

Blue-collar wages surge, making degrees a riskier path for young people

Between 2019 and 2024, real hourly wages for the lowest-paid 10% of US workers jumped by 15.

Rick Donovan·April 23, 2026
Diverse apprentices in a modern vocational training center, welding, working with robotics, and designing, symbolizing the innovation in skilled trades education.
Trades

The Trades Are Calling: We Must Innovate Vocational Training and Apprenticeships Now

The future of our national infrastructure hinges on a robust pipeline of skilled trades professionals. To secure it, we must commit to innovating vocational training and apprenticeships now.

Rick Donovan·April 3, 2026