Education

25 articles

Young Fijian vocational graduates looking uncertain about their future employment prospects outside their training institution.
Trades

Fiji vocational training: Graduates face job mismatch

Despite over 69,000 learners graduating from Fiji National University's TVET programs between 2019 and 2023, Fiji's youth unemployment hit 15.

Rick Donovan·June 4, 2026
Students in a modern Telangana polytechnic college learning about semiconductor technology, aircraft maintenance, and civil engineering with advanced tools.
Tools & Equipment

Telangana Introduces New Construction Education for 2026

Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, Telangana's polytechnic colleges will launch new diploma programs in Semiconductor Technology, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, and Civil Engineering — Real Est

Kyle Brenner·May 30, 2026
Students receiving hands-on training in a state-of-the-art skilled trades workshop, preparing for immediate workforce entry.
Trades

Skilled trades education is key to workforce development.

Skilled trades education is vital for workforce development, with significant public and private investment driving training initiatives to address critical shortages.

Rick Donovan·May 30, 2026
Philadelphia students on a tour of Citizens Bank Park, learning about skilled trades careers from professionals working on stadium infrastructure.
Trades

Phillies Host Skilled Trades Program for Philadelphia Students

Just last week, 50 students from Mayfair School's trades curriculum toured Citizens Bank Park, gaining firsthand insight into the vital roles skilled professionals play in maintaining a major league s

Rick Donovan·May 27, 2026
Robotic arms and human technicians collaborating in a modern data center, symbolizing AI's role in skilled trades and infrastructure.
Industry

AI's surprising role in boosting skilled trades education wages

QTS, a Blackstone portfolio company, plans to increase its workforce from 10,000 to 40,000 workers by year-end, a 300% increase.

Ben Foster·May 20, 2026
Young UK adult working on plumbing and electrical systems, with a subtle AI interface in the background, symbolizing a shift towards skilled trades.
Trades

UK sees surge in skilled trades education amid AI fears

Enrollment in UK plumbing and electrical courses surged by 40% last year, according to UK colleges.

Rick Donovan·May 20, 2026
A long line of aspiring plumbers fills a college hallway, illustrating the high demand for plumbing apprenticeship programs in Canada.
Trades

Skilled Trades Surge Overwhelms Plumbing Colleges in Canada

At Humber College in Toronto, the plumbing apprenticeship program received 3,500 applications for just 150 spots this year — a 23x oversubscription.

Rick Donovan·May 19, 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 adults learning skilled trades in a modern workshop, representing vocational training as a solution to the skills gap.
Industry

Vocational training: A direct path to close the skills gap

A short certificate course at a trade school can cost as little as $3,900, according to skillcatapp .

Ben Foster·May 12, 2026
Diverse young adults learning skilled trades in a modern vocational training workshop, highlighting the importance of skilled labor.
Industry

Vocational Training Investment Key to Skilled Labor Shortage

The U.S. faces a staggering annual deficit of 1.7 million skilled-trade workers, a gap threatening to stall critical infrastructure and economic growth across multiple sectors. Annually, 2.9 million s

Ben Foster·May 7, 2026
Diverse South African youth learning skilled trades and digital skills at a new, modern TVET college campus.
Trades

South Africa Opens New TVET Campus for Skilled Trades

In Mpumalanga Province, the new Gert Sibande TVET College 4IR LAB is now open, directly linking South African youth to future-ready technical skills crucial for the digital economy.

Rick Donovan·May 4, 2026
Diverse apprentices learning carpentry, electrical, and plumbing skills on a construction site, with state capitol buildings in the background.
Trades

States Drive US Skilled Trades Education and Apprenticeship Growth

In 2025, Montana's Registered Apprenticeship Program hit its highest participation ever.

Rick Donovan·April 30, 2026
Diverse group of students, veterans, and women learning and working in modern skilled trades workshops with tools and projects.
Trades

2026 Initiatives Expand Skilled Trades for Students, Veterans, and Women

The Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation has granted $2.

Rick Donovan·April 30, 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
Young women actively engaged in learning and practicing various skilled trades in a modern workshop setting, showcasing empowerment and skill acquisition.
Trades

Riverside School Board Launches Jill of All Trades Initiative

In Pakistan's Tharparkar region, 50 girls are now learning graphic design and embroidery, part of a global surge in initiatives aiming to equip young people with practical skills, according to The Fri

Rick Donovan·April 17, 2026
A modern vocational training workshop with students looking towards a distant Milwaukee Tool logo, representing future opportunities and delayed grant funding.
Trades

Milwaukee Tool announces Bring Back the Trades grants for 2026

Despite urgent national demand for skilled trades workers, Milwaukee Tool's new 'Bring Back the Trades' grant program, offering up to $1,500 in tool kits monthly, won't award grants until April 2026,

Rick Donovan·April 15, 2026
High school students enthusiastically participating in hands-on skilled trades demonstrations at the BC Skills event in Abbotsford.
Trades

BC Skills event Abbotsford boosts vocational careers in skilled trades

Last year, over 5,000 students in Abbotsford attended a single event showcasing welding, carpentry, and culinary arts, far exceeding expectations for vocational career interest.

Rick Donovan·April 14, 2026
Students in a marine maintenance workshop receive a donation of specialized tools and equipment from the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey.
Tools & Equipment

MTA NJ awards over $19k to marine tech students

Cape Tech's new Marine Maintenance program just received $5,000 worth of specialized tools and equipment, directly donated by the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ).

Kyle Brenner·April 11, 2026
Diverse students learning in a modern, well-equipped skilled trades workshop, symbolizing opportunity and the future of craftsmanship.
Trades

Lowe's Foundation Pledges $250M for Skilled Trades Technology Education

In Columbus, Georgia, a new TV docuseries sponsored by the Lowe's Foundation spotlights local craftsmen.

Rick Donovan·April 10, 2026
High school students actively engaged in a modern skilled trades workshop, learning welding, carpentry, and automotive repair, symbolizing new education initiatives.
Trades

High Schools Launch New Skilled Trades Education Initiatives

High schools are launching new skilled trades education initiatives across North America, creating direct pathways to careers for students. These programs address a persistent demand for skilled labor, offering hands-on experience and industry-recognized certifications.

Rick Donovan·April 4, 2026
Young people enthusiastically engaging in hands-on demonstrations at a vibrant skilled trades career fair, exploring various tools and machinery with mentors guiding them.
Trades

Skilled Trades Career Fair Comes to Timmins Amid Global Youth Push

The Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair in Timmins is the latest example of a growing global movement to attract young people into vital trades careers through hands-on events, targeted apprenticeships, and educational reforms.

Rick Donovan·April 4, 2026
Diverse students learning skilled trades in a modern vocational training center, including welding, carpentry, and electrical work, symbolizing investment in future workforce development.
Trades

New Investment Targets Skilled Trades Education as Builders Report Skills Crisis

PPG and the PPG Foundation have committed $10 million to advance skilled trades education, addressing a growing skills crisis in the construction sector. This funding aims to build a future pipeline of talent for critical roles.

Scott Ramirez·April 2, 2026
Young Kenyan students actively engaged in hands-on vocational training, utilizing modern equipment in a bright, inclusive workshop, symbolizing the success of a private-sector-led TVET model.
Trades

Kenya's Inclusive TVET Commitment Advanced by Award-Winning Private-Sector Model

Swisscontact was recently honored for its role in developing a new private-sector-led TVET curriculum in Kenya, a model that has informed a new national training framework.

Rick Donovan·March 31, 2026
High school students learning skilled trades like welding, carpentry, and electrical work in a modern workshop, showcasing hands-on training and career development.
Trades

Local Initiatives Boost Skilled Trades Training for High School Students

Local initiatives are significantly boosting skilled trades training for high school students across the U.S., with new programs in Florida, South Carolina, and New York. These efforts provide students with paid apprenticeships and hands-on training, offering viable, debt-free career pathways.

Ben Foster·March 30, 2026
Diverse students learning welding, carpentry, and electrical skills in a modern vocational training center, highlighting hands-on education and mentorship for skilled trades.
Industry

Vocational Training Is Not Just an Option; It's the Only Viable Fix for the Skilled Trades Gap

The skilled trades gap is a critical issue impacting infrastructure and economic growth. Vocational training offers the only viable solution by providing hands-on experience and fostering a culture of safety and precision.

Ben Foster·March 30, 2026