Trade Schools: Bridging the Skills Gap for Reshoring Jobs
Trade schools in the United States play a crucial role in addressing the skilled labor shortage by providing targeted, hands-on training that aligns with employers’ criteria for skills-based hiring. This evolution highlights a broader shift in perspectives among Generation Z and employers, who increasingly prioritize practical expertise over traditional academic qualifications, thereby positioning vocational education as a credible alternative to conventional college degrees.
American industries are experiencing growth due to an influx of emerging talent, with Generation Z actively pursuing early career development and mentorship opportunities. Consequently, employers are broadening the scope of internships and training initiatives, particularly within high-wage skilled trades such as shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing. More young people are choosing vocational schools for practical skills and job security, as skilled trades now offer stronger prospects than many white-collar jobs threatened by AI. With fewer graduates, students avoid debt through trades, and nearly half of employers now value skills and experience over degrees. Evaluating academic criteria helps ensure that student assessments reflect actual learning, rather than solely grades and test scores, when reviewing trade school applicants. Additionally, reforms may consider funding and admissions processes for both schools and private programs, recognizing the role of trade school pathways in providing graduates with career-focused skills. As the labor market shifts emphasis from degrees to skills, these considerations become increasingly relevant. The United States military—including the U.S. Navy—does not require candidates to possess a high school diploma for enlistment. Instead, an aptitude assessment is utilized. This distinction highlights an important principle that should inform trade school admissions: individuals may lack a traditional diploma, yet if they can demonstrate the requisite skills, character, and potential, they merit the opportunity to pursue vocational training. The armed forces entrust national security to such assessment methods; therefore, similar logic can be applied in developing a skilled workforce. Although establishing a minimum academic grade level remains significant, vocational education should be clearly differentiated from conventional degree and diploma programs. The emphasis ought to be placed on demonstrated performance-based, practical instruction, integrated throughout vocational training rather than following general education guidelines. Although high school diplomas and standardized assessments hold acknowledged significance, they may not comprehensively reflect the practical skills, mechanical aptitude, and perseverance crucial for success within the trades and labor market. Recognizing this, state and federal policies should consider these factors, with corresponding reforms necessitating adjustments to existing frameworks:- Admissions standards across public and private vocational programs
- Funding eligibility through workforce development initiatives and educational grants
Generation Z is already signaling what they value — less debt, more purpose, and a faster path to sustainable income. Trade schools meet that need, but only if access barriers are modified. Outdated requirements should not stand in the way of individuals who have the aptitude, work ethic, and skill to succeed.
The 2025 Reshoring Survey Report supports expanding trade schools and apprenticeships is viewed as a more effective approach to increasing U.S. manufacturing jobs than just implementing tariffs. Employers are placing greater emphasis on demonstrated skills and hands-on learning experience rather than academic testing results and degrees.
Change is imperative at this time. The issue lies not in a lack of talent, but in the necessity to have the courage to assess it correctly. Glenn Marshall is dyslexic, serves on the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Southeast board of directors for 13 states, participates in the Reshoring Initiative, and volunteers for career pathways at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS, retired). He can be reached at marsh8279@aol.com - - -