Career Readiness

2 articles

Young people learning skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work in a modern workshop, benefiting from new grants and summer training initiatives aimed at closing the skills gap.

Youth Skilled Trades Programs Get Boost from New Grants, Summer Initiatives

New grants from The Home Depot Foundation are supporting youth skilled trades programs, while a Michigan-based summer initiative offers free training. These efforts aim to address the persistent skills gap and introduce young people to in-demand careers.

Rick Donovan·April 7, 2026

Students engaged in hands-on vocational training, welding and carpentry, contrasting with traditional high school education, symbolizing the shift towards practical career readiness.

Trades

High Schools Are Failing Students By Ignoring Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

High schools are failing students by pushing only four-year degrees, ignoring the critical need for vocational training and apprenticeships. This oversight exacerbates the skilled trades gap and leaves students unprepared for lucrative careers.

Rick Donovan·April 2, 2026