At a time when middle-skills jobs can offer salaries over $55,000 annually without requiring a bachelor’s degree, the U.S. still isn’t producing enough workers to fill these roles. Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) Director of Research, Zack Mabel, joins host Jason Altmire to discuss CEW’s recent report, Missed Opportunities: Credential Shortages in Programs Aligned with High-Paying Middle-Skills Jobs in 55 US Metro Areas.

Together, they explore the structural and cultural forces behind the middle-skills gap and why certain sectors, especially the trades, face staggering shortages. The conversation highlights metro-level variations, the persistent impact of “college-for-all” messaging, and the nuances of credential shortages and surpluses in healthcare fields specifically. The episode offers a fresh perspective on how institutions can expand opportunity without defaulting to the four-year degree.

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America’s shortage of skilled construction workers isn’t just an industry issue; it’s a problem for communities nationwide. Today’s guest, Building Talent Foundation CEO Branka Minic, tells host Jason Altmire that without enough framers, roofers, electricians, and other tradespeople, the entire housing market and economy feel the strain. And with 40% of the industry expected to retire by 2031, solutions are needed fast.

Minic says her organization is tackling this challenge head on, offering career coaching to more than 200,000 young people and helping 5,000 disadvantaged workers start new careers. She explains why rebuilding America’s skilled trades pipeline means healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities — and why investing in people is the key to rebuilding the nation’s future.

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Torrie Jasuwan has held many titles over the years – hairdresser, businesswoman, millionaire matchmaker, real estate agent, and more. But the throughline of all of those careers and experiences, she tells host Jason Altmire, are the trades.

Jasuwan shares her passion for supporting women in the skilled trades and discusses how hands-on careers can lead to a six-figure salary with the right training. She also explains why trade skills are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world — and how they can make workers indispensable in an ever-changing economy.

To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Today’s college students are more diverse than ever, hailing from every background, region, and stage of life. American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President Dr. Charles Welch tells host Jason Altmire how regional public universities are meeting the needs of this new student demographic. Representing more than 500 campuses in nearly every state and educating about 70% of public undergraduates, AASCU institutions play a vital role in workforce development. Dr. Welch explains how these universities are bridging the divide between traditional humanities and liberal arts with a workforce-based educational process in a way that—while addressing fundamental challenges like cost and scalability that workforce programs nationwide face.

To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Closing America’s skills gap isn’t just about opportunity awareness—it’s about breaking the stigma around career education. Skilled Careers Coalition advisory board member Mark Hedstrom joins host Jason Altmire to explain what it takes to inspire young people to explore careers outside the traditional four-year degree. From authentic storytelling to meeting students where they are on TikTok and Instagram, Hedstrom shares how to connect with Gen Z in ways that actually resonate. He also highlights the exciting opportunities in today’s skilled careers and why the next generation deserves a clearer, stigma-free pathway into the workforce.

To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Amidst a constantly shifting legal and regulatory environment, Melanie Storey, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), joins host Jason Altmire to discuss how her association is helping nearly 3,000 institutions navigate student aid challenges. From FAFSA rollout struggles to Department of Education staff cuts, Storey explains why sound implementation and transparency are critical for student success. She also highlights how NASFAA’s advocacy is shaping federal policy to reduce barriers for students while strengthening institutions’ ability to deliver aid effectively.

To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how higher education institutions attract, enroll, and support students, bringing exciting opportunities and new challenges. Career education leaders Dana Hutton and Stephen Arthur join Jason Altmire to discuss their new best practices guide in which they explore how AI can simplify enrollment, reduce barriers, and create better outcomes for students. They discuss how these tools can help improve the efficiency of the admissions process and enhance marketing, but only if there are clear goals tied to student success, proper oversight, and high-quality, well-organized data for an AI tool to use. 

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As America faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, StrataTech Education Group is stepping up to provide students with the innovative training and technology they need to succeed, regardless of their background. President and CEO, Mary Kelly, joins host Jason Altmire to share how StrataTech’s trade schools are opening doors to opportunity through cutting edge-programs, including virtual reality welding simulations with Oculus headsets and the integration of robotic welding systems known as “cobots.” Just as important, Kelly highlights the strong culture of support and accountability that ensures students are prepared not only to graduate, but to thrive in their careers. With more than 6,000 graduates each year and a 90% placement rate, StrataTech has become a model for how career education can deliver meaningful ROI and life-changing results.

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In a rapidly changing and highly competitive educational landscape, how can schools take their learning to the next level? Today’s guest, Nuno Fernandes, shares how American Public University System delivers affordable, high-quality education through a digital model. As the nation’s number one educator of U.S. military members and veterans, APUS serves learners in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, and their digital delivery allows personalized education for all, no matter where they are in the world. He tells host Jason Altmire how the system’s investment in AI and other innovative technologies streamlines operations, enhances learning, and prepares students for the demands of today’s workforce. 

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What if every math lesson could help students discover a new career? Dr. Joseph Goins, CEO of Pathway2Careers, wants to bridge the gap between academic subjects and career opportunities to answer the age-old question, “When will I ever use this?” He tells host Jason Altmire how his organization works to embed labor market data into daily lessons, helping students see the relevance of what they’re learning. Goins believes that tools like his can become part of a larger shift in public education that helps students prepare for meaningful careers.

To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.