Career Education Report

Billions of dollars in AI investment are reshaping the American economy, and the workers who will physically build that future aren't coming out of four-year universities. They're being trained at career schools like Midwest Technical Institute, where Founder and CEO Brian Huff has spent decades preparing skilled tradespeople for the jobs that keep the country running. But cultural bias against the trades is holding back the pipeline of talent America urgently needs. Huff joins host Jason Altmire to make the case that hands-on careers deserve the same respect as traditional degrees and explains what higher ed leaders can do right now to change that. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

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.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.

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.

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

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.

With an estimated shortage of 70,000 registered nurses nationwide, how can nursing schools help close the gap? Dr. Karen Cox, president of Chamberlain University, joins host Jason Altmire to break down the root causes of the nursing crisis and the bold steps her institution is taking to solve it. In recent years, the increased difficulty of direct care nursing work has made it harder than ever before to work as a nurse, resulting in a 30% turnover rate for nurses in their first year on the job. She shares why holistic admissions and flexible, real-world training models are essential to building a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.