In January 2026, we surveyed skilled trades teachers from The Toolkit readership about their teaching experience. Teachers were asked why they started teaching, how long they have been teaching for and what plans their schools have for continuing their programs when they retire or leave the profession. We’re grateful for the more than 500 responses from across the country.

Survey Highlights:

There is a lack of preparation to maintain excellent skilled trades programs once a teacher moves on. This is an urgent issue because more than 50% of respondents said they plan to leave teaching in the next 10 years. These results reinforce the need for increased succession planning so students don’t lose access to training that will prepare them for post-secondary and career opportunities in the trades.