Towson – September 22, 2026 -- A DEWALT survey of 534 WorldSkills competitors across more than 60 countries found that 76% believe technical and vocational skills are increasingly critical to the global economy, yet 51% say too few young people are entering the trades.
Survey exposes gap between perception and enrollment pathways
While 71% of respondents said the public image of skilled trades has improved, 52% reported being steered toward traditional academic paths versus just 14% encouraged into vocational careers. The disconnect starts early: 45% said young people are not exposed to skilled career opportunities soon enough, and 53% felt direct pressure to pursue university over trade training.
Respondents demand paid apprenticeships and hands-on exposure
Asked how to grow the pipeline, 45% of competitors selected more opportunities to try skilled work firsthand, while 38% called for paid apprenticeships or earn-while-you-learn models. Financial assistance was flagged as important by 88% of respondents for making vocational education more attainable.
Stanley Black & Decker CEO ties trades labor to core economic sectors
Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK), said skilled labor underlies housing, transportation, manufacturing, energy and digital infrastructure, and that industry has a responsibility to build pathways into the trades. Nelson will join a fireside chat at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 to address the role of skilled tradespeople in driving global innovation and growth.
DEWALT backs two Team USA competitors heading into Shanghai competition
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is sponsoring Team USA competitors Charlie Goede, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice from Connecticut, and Tristan Coates, a 22-year-old residential builder from Florida, supplying tools and training resources ahead of the event. The company serves as a premium partner and tools sponsor of WorldSkills International and platinum sponsor of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, running September 22–27, 2026.
The survey was fielded online from August 18–28, 2026, distributed to more than 1,000 competitors with 534 responses collected across 60-plus countries and regions.