About 250 students from Knox County, Tenn., attended the fourth annual ACE Trades Day, organized by the ACE Mentoring Program of Greater Knoxville. The event, part of the 865 Academies initiative, offers hands-on lessons in architecture, construction and engineering, allowing students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

Schools can enhance students' soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving and creative thinking by shifting from traditional teaching to more interactive and student-centered approaches. Meg Riordan of The Possible Zone and J.D. LaRock of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship highlight the importance of these durable skills for career readiness.

Pella Corporation is beginning its recruitment efforts at an early age, offering tours and interactive experiences to elementary- and middle-school students to spark their interest in manufacturing careers. The window and door manufacturing company welcomes young visitors to its Iowa headquarters, introducing them to innovative technologies and the variety of opportunities available in manufacturing, engineering and skilled trades.

High-school seniors in Marysville, Ohio, participated in hands-on sessions offered by local manufacturers to learn about diverse career options beyond traditional assembly line work. These sessions, combined with available internships, are designed to engage students and help them start their career journeys early.

A report from the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that most Americans earning nondegree credentials, such as certificates and professional licenses, pay out of pocket. The report shows a significant increase in nondegree credential attainment, with 34% of adults holding such credentials, but Pew's Ama Takyi-Laryea expresses concern about the financial burden, noting that many students rely on personal funds due to the high cost of these programs.

Arkansas colleges and universities have reported a 5.7% increase in credentials awarded and a 5.3% rise in the number of students receiving them for the second year in a row. This growth is driven by a 22% increase in certificates of proficiency and an 8% rise in bachelor's degrees.

Illinois community colleges have experienced a fourth year of enrollment growth, in contrast to a national decline. Rock Valley College, Highland Community College, Kishwaukee College and Sauk Valley Colleges have reported increases in enrollment since 2021, with the Illinois Community College Board attributing the trend to a focus on career and technical education.

Nearly 9 in 10 talent acquisition professionals report that their CEOs expect them to address the skills gap and build a workforce prepared for the future. This highlights the growing pressure on recruiters to align hiring strategies with long-term business goals, according to LinkedIn's Executive Confidence Index.