SkillUp Coalition Is Building the Infrastructure that America’s Workforce Needs
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
In a recent conversation, Crimsonbridge partner SkillUp shared updates on the growth of their training platform over the last year, emerging research on learner attitudes, and how data and AI can serve the millions of American workers navigating their way to meaningful careers.
Growing Interest in Healthcare Professions and Skilled Trades
Five years ago, SkillUp recognized that technology careers dominated the aspirations of workers ages 18 to 24 using their platform. Today, healthcare professions and skilled trades have sparked a significant increase in interest among the same age group. Even more, skilled trades make up 68% of the 1,000+ free training programs available on the SkillUp platform.
SkillUp sees this as an opportunity to ensure these career pathways are presented with the dignity they deserve, as careers that are financially sustainable, professionally respected, and built to last.
Earlier this year, SkillUp launched a new feature, giving users a single place to search for apprenticeship opportunities (through programs, colleges, and training sites) nationwide. This apprenticeship aggregator highlights green career opportunities in the growing clean energy sector, expanding the range of future-facing pathways available to everyone.
More Young People are Connecting with High-Quality Jobs and Training
SkillUp surveys its users regularly, informing how young workers are planning and acting on their futures. According to their most recent youth data report, the SkillUp platform has served over 1.4 million youth nationwide and connected more than 51,000 people to high-quality jobs and training. A few highlights:
35% of youth SkillUp users have set a career goal on the platform.
Half of all users are engaged in hands-on learning: certificate enrollment is up to 32% of users, internships to 35%, and apprenticeship enrollment grew 7%.
Workers want clearer visibility into what comes next, and our country needs better career pathways infrastructure to deliver it.
SkillUp is serving as a connector in this emerging ecosystem of training, helping to build meaningful careers for every American worker.
To learn more about SkillUp, explore non-degree career paths, or find training programs, visit https://skillup.org/. To learn more about our Career Pathways program area, visit https://www.crimsonbridge.org/career-pathways.
