With more high school students who register for trade programs, schools are struggling in the US to find qualified instructors.
Trade schools are struggling throughout the country to hire qualified instructors at a time when more young people show an interest in a career in skilled transactions.
The US Department of Education reports that at least 26 states experience deficits in teachers in career and technical education (CTE) for the 2025-2026 school year. School leaders say they should become creative to run programs.
In Boulder, Colorado, Apex, a trading school in the Boulder Valley School District, has been looking for a car teacher since April.
“This year we are still looking for a car service teacher. We have been searched for since April,” said director Ming Scheid. “We have recruited like our partners in the industry and have actually had to go to our BVSD transport, and our Fleet Manager now indicates the course for us.”
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That fleet manager is Andrew Thompson, who entered the class just a few days before the autumn semester started.
“About a week before the school started, I received a phone call from my boss and they asked me if they would be interested in teaching this program,” said Thompson. “First time teaching; a lot of automotive experience. I actually took this collision program here in 2011 … Back in high school.”
Thompson now teaches students how to inspect tires, brakes and electrical systems in the context of a program aimed at preventive vehicle maintenance. He said the goal is to help students get a job in the car industry.
“I just feel super happy to come back and give these children a chance,” said Thompson.
Scheid hopes that more industry professionals are considering making the transition to teaching, especially because the demand for trained transactions is increasing.
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“I hope that if someone might be about to be and maybe think he might want to become a teacher, this is something they might look at,” said Scheid.
The shortage is not limited to automatic programs. Culinary instructor Amber Graff said that real experience is essential to become a teacher in her field.
“We don’t just teach children how to cook. We teach time management. We teach children how to work under pressure,” Graff said.
At Apex, high school students in the culinary program complete an accelerated one -year course that is designed to prepare them for jobs in hospitality and food, or even to become food brainers, Graff said.
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“When we teach these children these skills, experience experience; and know what is happening in the food and drinks and catering industry,” Graff said.
