As industries evolve and infrastructure demands grow, the skilled trades face a widening talent gap, as well as a powerful opportunity. In this session, Brian Huff shares firsthand insights from the front lines of workforce training, drawing on his experience as a trained welder and an innovative leader in skills-focused education. He explores why traditional education pathways alone are no longer enough and how hands-on, employer-aligned training models can directly meet today’s workforce needs. Attendees will learn how proven employer partnerships connect job-ready graduates with in-demand roles, while opening doors for students from all backgrounds to careers that offer long-term stability, pride, and purpose. Brian also addresses current legislation impacting skilled trades, CTE, and trade schools, and what it means for educators, employers, and policymakers. This session challenges the status quo and makes the case for trading up the next generation of skilled trades workers for meaningful, lifelong careers.
