Vocational Training

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.