National Public Opinion Research

Poll Shows Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Skilled Trades Education in U.S. High Schools

A Survey of U.S. Voters Found…

say high schools and districts should prioritize funding for skilled trades classes
0 %
agree it is important for the government to fund AI-resilient career training
0 %
say it is a major problem that some high schools have reduced or eliminated skilled trades classes
0 %

New National Poll on Skilled Trades Education

A survey of U.S. voters, parents and public high school students found broad support across party lines for increased investment in skilled trades education programs for high school students. Respondents agree it is a major problem that schools have reduced access to skilled trades classes, and support increased funding for these programs as infrastructure needs grow and artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce. These findings underscore the urgency of expanding opportunities and introducing the trades to students earlier, before they graduate from high school.

Research Methodology

Researcher: NORC at the University of Chicago

NORC at the University of Chicago surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. voters, more than 2,000 parents of U.S. public high school students, and more than 1,700 U.S. public high school students to evaluate attitudes toward skilled trades education. The surveys were conducted between December 9, 2025 and January 21, 2026.

fact sheet

Folks are raising a simple question too often left out of the national conversation about the skills gap and career readiness: ‘Why can’t our public high schools prepare students for in-demand, good paying careers?’”

- Eric Smidt, owner and founder of Harbor Freight Tools and president and board member of The Smidt Foundation

This research shows an overwhelming majority of voters, parents and students want skilled trades education widely available in our public high schools. It’s particularly meaningful to see the positive impact skilled trades offerings have had on students fortunate enough to experience these classes.”

- Erin Walsh, Consulting Policy and Research Director for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools

It’s inspiring to see how transformative the experience can be for students. The impact of L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers, combined with the findings of this national research, underscores how important it is to bring skilled trades education back into the center of the high school experience – not as an alternative to academic achievement, but as a rigorous, relevant pathway that helps students build real-world skills, explore careers, and prepare for college, apprenticeships, and work.”

- Danny Corwin, Executive Director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools

90% of voters want school districts to make funding skilled trades classes a priority

Voters and parents rank skilled trades classes as the top priority for high school electives

Q: Which of the following elective classes should high schools prioritize first for funding with additional state and local resources?

Voters
Parents

Voters and parents say it is a major problem some high schools have reduced or eliminated skilled trades classes

of voters
of parents

There is broad agreement among voters and parents it is important for the government to fund AI-resilient career training.

8 in 10 parents say having more opportunities to study skilled trades in high school would make their own child more prepared for a career.

Students who have taken skilled trades classes report feeling more engaged, confident, and career-ready than their peers

Enjoy being in school
Feel they are receiving a high-quality education
Find what they learn in school useful for life after high school
Understand the steps they need to take for the career they want
Feel that school has helped them develop the skills and knowledge they need for college

Social Media Toolkit

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