The Real Future of Work
Trades jobs are in high demand and will remain more resistant to automation than many white-collar paths. Not every student needs a four-year degree to thrive, and our schools shouldn’t treat that as the only option.
Let’s equip our kids for the real world they’re entering.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
- Skilled trades are facing a massive labor shortage
- Trades careers offer strong wages, job security, and resistance to AI automation
- Many trades professions require less student debt than traditional four-year paths
- Physical, skilled work can’t be outsourced or easily automated
What I’ll Advocate For
- Expanding trades education offerings in our schools — woodshop, metalshop, auto, construction, electrical, and more
- Partnerships with local trades businesses and unions for apprenticeship opportunities and mentorship
- Treating trades education with the same respect as college-track programming
- Career counseling that presents trades as a first-class option, not a fallback
- Investing in equipment and facilities that give students real hands-on experience
Changing the Culture
For too long, the message has been “four-year college or you’ve failed.” That’s wrong, and it’s harming our kids. A welder, an electrician, a plumber — these are skilled professionals who build and maintain the world we live in. Our schools should celebrate and prepare students for these paths with the same pride we give to college-bound students.