In January of 2025, we engaged skilled trades teachers from The Toolkit readership in a survey to better understand recent developments in their programs. The survey asked for input on their programs’ enrollment numbers and funding amounts, along with what they teach and where. We received more than 700 responses, which reflected a few trends we’ve noticed in career and technical education spaces:

Overall, these data points show that there is a strong demand for skilled trades education nationwide, but funding isn’t matching up. Sixty-five percent of teachers said that their skilled trades program enrollment increased with only nine percent responding that their funding increased. These results reinforce why it is so important to continue to shine a light on how essential quality skilled trades education programs are in meeting student interest and building the workforce our country needs.