Photo: Adrian Sainz ~ AP
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September 30, 2026 ~ U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joins Kevin while in Michigan for Ford’s Accelerate Event to discuss education priorities, workforce development, and the administration’s goals for preparing students for future careers.
DETROIT ~ As employers across the country struggle to fill skilled trades positions, education and business leaders are encouraging students to consider alternatives to the traditional four-year college path. A growing workforce shortage in fields such as construction, manufacturing and automotive repair has sparked renewed discussion about expanding trade education and career training opportunities.
The conversation also focused on new workforce Pell grants, which allow eligible students to use federal aid for qualifying short-term training programs. Advocates say the programs can help students gain skills for in-demand careers more quickly while addressing labor shortages in key industries.
“We can’t look at workforce anymore as second-class citizens,” said Linda McMahon, the U.S. secretary of education. “For every five people now retiring from the skilled workforce, only two are taking their place.”
