Presented by: National Woods Board (NWB)

The skilled-trades workforce shortage isn’t coming—it’s already here. This solutions-driven session tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing our industry: the urgent need to strengthen Career & Technical Education nationwide. Join an interactive conversation that examines why today’s fragmented CTE landscape is falling short, what industry leaders can do to drive improvement, and how collaborative, scalable models can create consistent pathways from the classroom to the workforce.

Through group discussions and real-world case studies, participants will explore practical strategies for:

• Building stronger partnerships between educators and employers
• Aligning curriculum with industry needs
• Expanding access to hands-on learning
• Supporting teachers and modernizing technical programs
• Developing student pipelines that actually lead to careers

You’ll leave with actionable ideas your company or organization can use immediately—plus a clear understanding of how the broader industry can work together to elevate CTE nationwide and secure the future of America’s skilled workforce.