While the public image of technical and vocational careers has improved, young people are still overwhelmingly encouraged to pursue traditional academic paths over vocational careers.
According to a survey of over 500 WorldSkills 2026 competitors conducted by DeWalt (a Stanley Black & Decker brand), the next generation of trades professionals recognizes the importance of the trades to the global economy, but also perceives a disconnect between the importance of their work and the pathways available to enter the field.
The WorldSkills Competition is the world’s biggest international technical and vocational skills competition. SkillsUSA serves as the official U.S. representative to WorldSkills International.
76% of survey respondents say technical and vocational skills are increasingly important to the global economy, yet 51% believe too few young people are entering the trades.
“The real economy runs on skilled labor—across housing, transportation, manufacturing, energy, and digital infrastructure—and global demand for these professionals continues to rise. As an industry, we have a responsibility not only to celebrate the people who power these essential sectors, but also to invest in creating pathways into the skilled trades,” said Stanley Black & Decker president & CEO Chris Nelson.
DeWalt is a premium partner and tools sponsor for WorldSkills International, and a platinum sponsor of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
71% of respondents also noted that while the public image of technical and vocational careers has improved, 52% were still encouraged toward more traditional academic paths, compared to just 14% who were encouraged toward technical and vocational careers.
Growing the pipeline starts with earlier exposure and more accessible routes for getting in. 45% of respondents say young people are not exposed to skilled career opportunities soon enough, while 53% say they felt pressure to pursue a university or traditional academic career.
When asked how to encourage more young people to pursue skilled careers, 45% selected more opportunities to try skilled work firsthand and 38% selected more paid apprenticeships or earn-while-you-learn pathways.
Additionally, 88% of respondents said financial assistance is important to making technical or vocational education more attainable.
“Skilled careers are the engine of economies everywhere, and this generation of competitors understands that. They are not waiting to be told trades matter—they are proving it,” said WorldSkills International CEO David Hoey.
About the survey
DeWalt conducted an online survey of WorldSkills competitors from August 18-28, 2026. It was distributed to more than 1,000 competitors across 60+ countries and regions.
