NACCE and SkillPointe Join Forces to Form School Counselor Advisory Council to Boost Skilled Trade Education

With a pronounced skills gap in the American workforce, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) has mobilized efforts alongside SkillPointe—a comprehensive resource for training and careers in skilled trades—to establish a School Counselor Advisory Council. This initiative, unveiled on July 2, 2024, in Cary, NC, represents a strategic move to inspire a future generation to consider careers in the skilled trades sector. The School Counselor Advisory Council aims to enlighten students about the multitude of vocational opportunities accessible to them, beyond the traditional four-year college path.

The Mandate of the School Counselor Advisory Council

The newly formed council comprises a collective of influential school counselors from across the nation. Their mission is to empower counselors with insights, tools, and resources that enable them to effectively guide students toward the abundant opportunities in skilled trades. By collaborating closely with educators, NACCE's SkillPointen platform intends to shed light on the benefits and career stability provided by skilled trades, an often-underestimated career direction.

Addressing the Skills Gap through Education

As industries evolve and technological advancements proliferate, the demand for skilled workers in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work has surged. This increasing demand underscores the necessity of programs like those advocated by NACCE and SkillPointe to develop a robust pipeline of skilled workers. By engaging students early on through their educational mentors, the initiative seeks to ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is prepared to meet the challenges of a shifting economy.

Education, Trades, Workforce