FlexTrades provides workforce solutions to American manufacturers. That’s what we do. But we take the word “solutions” seriously. That means asking the right questions and listening closely to the answers. Along the way, we also get asked a lot of questions ourselves—especially when it comes to skilled trades advocacy. One of the most common?

How do you advocate for technical education and careers in the skilled trades?

Let’s talk about that.

Why Advocacy Matters

At FlexTrades, we believe that everyone in manufacturing—not just companies, but individuals—has a responsibility to advocate for careers in the skilled trades and technical education. These industries are foundational to the American economy, yet they continue to face workforce shortages, declining enrollment in trade programs, and a cultural bias that still favors four-year degrees over hands-on careers.

That’s why advocacy matters. But what does advocacy actually look like in practice? And how can you do it as one person?

Let’s break it down.

Do Your Homework

Advocacy starts with understanding. If you want to speak up for the trades, you need to know the issues. Go beyond surface-level statistics and headlines. Ask tough questions. What’s really driving the skills gap? What policies and perceptions are holding technical education back? What are the long-term implications for manufacturing if the talent pipeline continues to shrink?

When you dig deep, your voice carries more weight. Informed advocates don’t just raise awareness—they influence change.

Think Big

When you advocate, you’re not just speaking for yourself or your company. You’re representing an entire industry. That means thinking beyond your own experience and considering the broader ecosystem—students, workers, educators, employers, and policymakers.

Understand the challenges and the innovations. Get clear on the wins, the gaps, and the opportunities. Then focus on solutions that benefit everyone. Advocacy is about inclusion and momentum. The more people you bring with you, the more impact you’ll have.

Build Partnerships

No one advocates in a vacuum. Look for others in the industry who are pushing in similar directions—even if their mission isn’t identical to yours. Shared values and overlapping goals make for strong partnerships.

Whether it’s a local trade school administrator, an apprenticeship program coordinator, or a manufacturing executive who sees the same workforce problems you do, build the bridge. Work together. Share resources. Amplify each other’s efforts. That’s how real movements gain traction.

Plan for Resistance

Advocacy isn’t easy. It’s not supposed to be.

You’ll face resistance. From outdated systems. From people who prefer the status quo. From stakeholders who don’t want to disrupt what’s already working for them. But if what’s “working” isn’t solving the larger problem, it’s your job to say so.

Be willing to challenge old assumptions. Be brave enough to stand alone when necessary. True advocacy creates space for new ideas, better systems, and lasting progress—even if it makes a few people uncomfortable along the way.

Tools and Resources to Help You Get Started

If you want to dig deeper, here are a few great places to start:

Got Questions? Let’s Talk.

Have your own question about manufacturing, labor shortages, or technical training? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us anytime at writingteam@flextrades.com, and we might feature your question in a future article.