Career Education Report

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.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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

For decades, the “90/10 Rule” has limited the share of revenue that for-profit colleges can receive from federal student aid to 90%. But National Defense Committee Executive Director Bob Carey, tells host Jason Altmire that this rule has had unintended and harmful consequences for veterans. Carey explains how this policy treats veterans’ earned education benefits like government handouts, restricts their access to career-focused programs, and undermines their freedom to choose the education that best fits their lives. 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.

For decades, the U.S. has prioritized the four-year degree path, but millions of workers thrive through alternative routes. In this episode, Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), joins host Jason Altmire to discuss how one bipartisan proposal could fundamentally change workforce preparation. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would allow families to use 529 Savings Plans to fund short-term credentials, career training, and workforce development programs. With strong bipartisan support and minimal federal cost, this policy shift could be the key to unlocking more affordable, practical education pathways for millions.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

To Chef Robert Irvine, the star of “Restaurant: Impossible” and author of the book “Overcoming Impossible,” career schools aren’t just another way to acquire an education: they’re the foundation of America. Irvine tells host Jason Altmire that his experience in the military and as an entrepreneur has shown him that industry-focused schools not only outperform traditional schools, but are on the cutting edge of training workers of the future. Irvine emphasizes the importance of teaching emerging technologies, such as robotics and AI and urges educators to focus on career training that integrates these cutting-edge technologies. Yet even as education and the workforce evolve, Irvine believes the heart of education remains the same: leadership and teaching are rooted in empathy, which is why he invests in people, not products.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

The idea that a four-year degree is the only path to success is becoming increasingly outdated. Dr. Michelle Van Noy, Associate Research Professor and Director of the Education and Employment Research Center (EERC) at Rutgers University, joins host Jason Altmire to explore the expanding world of alternative education pathways. From non-credit programs and short-term credentials to community college career training, Dr. Van Noy discusses how student decision-making is shaped by geography, industry needs, and field-specific constraints. She also highlights the critical need for better data to understand which programs truly deliver results.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

How can career colleges break through the noise and reach students who are truly ready to succeed? Wharton marketing professor Dr. Cait Lamberton joins host Jason Altmire to explore how strategic messaging, authentic influencer engagement, and attention to the true wants and needs of students can reshape education marketing. Drawing on her work with the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor, Dr. Lamberton offers insights into what really motivates prospective learners—and how schools can better connect with the right students, regardless of their competing priorities. Discover how smart, student-centered marketing can drive both enrollment and meaningful outcomes.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

As students increasingly move away from the traditional college experience, many are seeking more flexible, affordable alternatives. Mega-universities, large-scale institutions offering accessible, cost-effective education, are rising to meet this demand. Dr. Bryan Penprase, Vice President for Sponsored Research and External Academic Relations at Soka University of America, joins host Jason Altmire to explore how these institutions are reshaping higher education. They discuss how mega-universities are redefining access, quality, and value for today’s learners—and what traditional colleges can learn from their rapid growth and innovation.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Is a college degree the only path to success, or are skills the real key to unlocking career opportunities? Lydia Logan, IBM VP of Global Education and Workforce Development, joins host Jason Altmire to discuss the growing shift toward skills-based hiring and the rising importance of AI proficiency. They explore how individuals can future-proof their careers, the power of alternative credentials, and what this transformation means for employers and educators alike. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In the U.S., 87% of congressional races are effectively decided in the primaries, locking in results long before voters head to the polls for the general election. This system encourages partisan politics and makes it harder for moderate candidates to succeed. Nick Troiano, the Executive Director of Unite America, joins host Jason Altmire to explore the structural flaws of the primary system and the reforms that could change the game. From ranked-choice voting to top-four primaries, they discuss how key changes could reduce polarization and create a political landscape that rewards moderation.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Higher education accreditation influences everything from institutional reputation to student opportunities, yet there are concerns that it has become more about bureaucracy than educational quality. In this episode, Christopher Bjornstad, executive director of A3STEP, joins host, Jason Altmire, to share his vision for a new accreditor that prioritizes student outcomes over excessive institutional governance. He also discusses how accreditors could better serve career education and skilled trades programs, which are often overlooked by traditional models. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.