“How do we connect today’s youth with the skilled careers of tomorrow?” This is the challenge the Skilled Careers Coalition is determined to solve. Manufacturing is at a crossroads. Long-time business owners are retiring without successors, shutting down operations entirely. Skilled operators are stepping away, leaving a void without replacements. Shops are struggling to keep up as talent drains at an alarming pace. Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, explains their mission: to close the skills gap by inspiring the next generation and linking them to fulfilling careers. It’s more than just promoting jobs—it's about helping young people find purpose through skilled work. Learn how the Coalition is driving change—and how manufacturing leaders like you can play a role—in this episode of MakingChips. Segments [0:37] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [1:43] Introducing Mark and the Skilled Careers Coalition [7:01] Why the term “coalition” is significant [16:53] What attracted Mark to the skilled trades industry [21:58] How the SCC is bridging the skills gap [27:11] Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning [30:43] The importance of connecting and converting [34:17] Collective impact and coalition building with organizations [36:23] Recruiting and retaining skilled talent  [37:40] Connecting students to opportunities in their own backyard [42:50] How to get involved with the Skilled Careers Coalition [48:31] Use Paperless Parts to quote smarter, faster, and more consistently [49:23] Subscribe and listen to the MakingSparks podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Skills Jam on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram  Skilledcareers.org 2.1 Million Manufacturing Jobs Could Go Unfilled by 2030 The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning Check out Paperless Parts Subscribe and listen to the MakingSparks podcast! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube