The Thread

Career and Technical Education is expanding fast across the U.S. We look at how Ohio, Texas, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, and NYC are connecting high schoolers to the workforce—and where gaps remain.

Federal funding cuts threaten Indiana’s workforce training progress even as college enrollment drops. Nevada, Texas, and North Carolina offer models for sustaining gains through smart partnerships.

In 2020, only two states had public data on teacher shortages. By 2025, that number grew to 15—but most states are still flying blind. Here’s why better workforce data matters and what Craft Insights is doing about it.

Strong OJT tracking goes beyond logging hours. CTE programs need records that capture competency progress, supervisor sign-offs, safety documentation, and credential evidence to support accountability.

A quick guide to current May and June workforce grant opportunities, including federal and state funding for apprenticeship expansion, career pathways, community colleges, teacher preparation, and workforce training.

RAPIDS and Perkins both matter for CTE apprenticeship programs, but they serve different reporting needs. This post explains the overlap, differences, and why clearer data workflows matter.