Trade Up

Trade Up makes a case that the fastest path to opportunity for many Americans lies in skilled trades rather than a universal four-year college model.

Drawing on research and policy experience, the authors explain why the nation faces a growing shortage of trained tradespeople and how career education, apprenticeships, and employer-led training can fill the gap.

The book profiles successful programs, discusses barriers like stigma and regulatory limits, and proposes policy and private-sector solutions.

It emphasizes opportunity pluralism—giving people equal access to diverse career pathways—and highlights the roles of veterans, women, and nontraditional students.

Ultimately, it calls for coordinated action by industry, educators, philanthropies, and policymakers to close the skills gap and strengthen the workforce.