(NNPA) – A new Harris Poll report reveals that while Americans overwhelmingly view skilled trades as essential to society, they also believe the field is undervalued, overlooked in schools, and facing a generational perception gap that could deepen the labor shortage crisis already gripping the nation.

According to the poll, conducted June 20–22, 2025, among 2,203 adults nationwide, 91% agree that skilled trade jobs are just as important as white-collar jobs, with 63% strongly agreeing. Still, 86% say skilled trade careers are overlooked in today’s educational system, and 90% believe most people don’t realize how lucrative these careers can be. “Skilled trades offer real career potential, but they’re not being talked about enough in schools or by society at large,” said Wendy Salomon, one

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