Skilled trade careers are essential to the economy—and gaining increased attention and investment as AI begins to reshape other professional pathways. Yet outdated perceptions, limited visibility, and fragmented access points continue to steer talent away from these roles.

In this roundtable, NationSwell will bring together companies, funders, and workforce development leaders to explore how the narrative around skilled trades can be reshaped. We’ll examine what it takes to elevate these careers as pathways to stability and mobility, from employer-led messaging and education partnerships to employee storytelling and on-ramps into the workforce.

Join peers for a practical conversation on how to shift perceptions, expand access, and build stronger pipelines into the skilled trades.

To encourage open and candid discussion, this event follows the Chatham House Rule – attendees may share insights from the conversation but cannot attribute statements to specific individuals or organizations. This ensures a trusted space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper insights.