Workforce Development
30 articles
Vocational Training Funding Instability Threatens Economy
Nine out of ten apprentices remain employed upon completing their registered program.
Vocational training struggles to tackle skilled labor shortage
The food and beverage manufacturing industry alone faces a projected 65,000 open job vacancies by 2025, according to Institute Smartprosperity Ca .
Ethical AI in skilled trades training: Challenges and future
The U.S. faces a daunting shortage of 500,000 skilled trade workers, a gap projected to widen with AI's rise. Yet, the very AI tools designed to fill these roles are introducing biases and privacy ris
US Skilled Labor Gap: Vocational Training Programs Fall Short
For every person who has finished a relevant training program, there are about three skilled-trade job openings, according to HR Dive .
US government funding vocational training to combat 2026 skilled trades shortage.
As of July 1, federal Workforce Pell Grants are now available for eligible short-term training programs.
unCommon Construction teaches youth trade and life skills
High school students in New Orleans earn school credit for building houses and get their paychecks matched 50 cents on the dollar for future education.
Skilled Labor & Manufacturing Funding: Foundations Invest, Audit
An audit cited $20.9 million in misspending within a federally funded Ohio manufacturing program, risking its shutdown, according to WKYC . This financial mismanagement directly threatens crucial work
Michigan's 2026 Skilled Trades Training Faces Growing Gap
Michigan is projected to face a staggering gap of 265,000 skilled trades workers by 2030, even as new training initiatives launch across the state.
Skilled Trades vs. University Degrees: The Workforce Development Shift Is Happening Now
New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 can expect a total starting package of $57 an hour.
Mentorship Programs Crucial for Canada's Retiring Tradespeople
By the end of this decade, Canada alone projects 700,000 skilled trades workers will retire, creating a massive void that current training pipelines are struggling to fill.
Mentorship bridges generational gap in skilled trades, securing future workforce.
Only 38% of Gen Z respondents see skilled trades as offering the best job prospects today.
Meta's Program Addresses Skilled Trades Shortage
In just seven days, Meta's Level-Up fiber installation training program received an astonishing 35,000 applications.
Organizations Expand Trades Training to Meet Skilled Labor Demand
Since 2018, The Home Depot Foundation's partnerships alone have certified over 70,000 participants in skilled trades, highlighting a massive, accelerating push to fill critical labor gaps.
Michigan's economic boom fuels urgent demand for skilled trades
New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 start with a $57 an hour package, including upward mobility and guaranteed pensions, according to The Detroit News .
Meta's America's Workforce Academy Trains Tradespeople for New Tech
In its first seven days, Meta and CBRE's LevelUp fiber technician training program received 35,000 applications for just 1,000 openings.
Victoria ISD's CTE program builds skilled trades pipeline
During the 2025-26 school year, Victoria ISD students earned 1,184 industry-based certifications, establishing a robust pipeline for skilled trades.
Lowe's Foundation Invests $34 Million in Skilled Trades Training
Since 2023, the Lowe's Foundation has poured over $34 million into Gable Grants, spearheading a national effort to rebuild America's skilled trades workforce.
County Grant Funds Freeport Armory Conversion to Trade School
Nassau County has awarded a $300,000 grant to Freeport, initiating the transformation of its historic armory into a new trade school.
Local trade schools are key to economic growth.
At Chattahoochee Technical College, many students secure employment in high-demand fields like HVAC before completing coursework, proving the immediate value of practical education.
Metallica's foundation invests millions in skilled trades training
In its eighth year, Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation is investing over $3.
AI Training for Trades Workers: A Path to Economic Resilience
Microsoft and the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) offer free AI literacy courses and credentials to millions of skilled trades workers across North America.
Lowe's Foundation Grants $1 Million to Houston Community College
The Lowe's Foundation just awarded nearly $8 million in grants to 10 community and technical colleges, including a $1 million grant to Houston Community College.
Meta's $115M Boost for Skilled Trades Addresses Specific Shortages
In just seven days, Meta and CBRE's LevelUp fiber technician training program received 35,000 applications for only 1,000 openings, underscoring an overwhelming demand for skilled trades training tied
Lowe's Foundation Grants $1M to Houston Community College for Skilled Trades
Houston Community College secured a $1 million grant from the Lowe's Foundation, part of nearly $8 million distributed to 10 community and technical colleges.
Lowe's Foundation adds $8M to skilled trades training grants
In a single announcement, Lowe's Foundation just committed nearly $8 million to train the next generation of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, bringing its total investment in skilled trades edu
Independent auto repair shops face critical skills gap by 2026.
The automotive industry is losing an estimated $1.
Canada Launches $6B Program Addressing Skilled Trades Shortage
Canada's federal government just pledged up to $6 billion for a 'Team Canada Strong' program, aiming to train 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030-31.
Modular Construction's Skills Gap: A New Certificate III Aims to Bridge It
In the first four months of this year, Chinese enterprises exported RMB 1.
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.
Lowe's Foundation invests $250 million in skilled trades training programs
The Lowe's Foundation plans to invest a quarter-billion dollars to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035, according to Lowe's Foundation .