On #SundayTODAY#: @ChristineRomans has our #SundaySpotlight# on top executives coming together to call for more trade school students as the AI boom drives demand for skilled workers.

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Over the last couple years, there’s been an extraordinary revelation among America’s most influential CEO’s with regard to America’s skills gap. Many, if not all, have come to the conclusion that the skills gap is, a) really real b) really wide c) really dangerous d) really a matter of national security It’s almost as if a memo has gone out to the C-Suite, and outlined in no uncertain terms just how dire the situation is, and just how badly we’ve bungled the business of training, preparing, and most of all, encouraging the next generation of skilled workers to explore a long list essential careers currently in demand like never before. At long last, people are beginning to pay attention. No less extraordinary than this sudden realization among business leaders, for me anyway, are the invitations I’ve received to participate in a variety of gatherings and conferences to help reimagine the way we prepare the next generation for the economy that’s coming. One such event will commence this week in Detroit, and once again, I’m very flattered for the opportunity to talk about our efforts at mikeroweWORKS, and mouth off about what I think can be done to reinvigorate the skilled trades. This particular event is called Accelerate the Essential Economy, and it’s been organized by Jim Farley over at @Ford, who has spoken about this for years, and emerged as one of leading voices on this issue. Obviously, Jim has a lot of skin in the game, and is currently doing all he can to hire experienced technicians all over the country. But he’s also taking real steps to fill the pipeline with skilled technicians, and making what I think is a pretty persuasive case to teenagers for careers in the automotive industry. I say good for him, and good for all of the other movers and shakers about to convene in Motor City, including leaders in finance and technology. Because the truth is, every business in America - and every major industry - is now competing for a skilled workforce that simply isn't there in sufficient numbers. We need all the big brains on this issue, and we need them working together - yesterday. I think it’s gonna be a worthwhile event, and you can livestream some or all of it below. I’m on a panel Wednesday morning with The Secretary of Education and The Honorable Mike Duffey, Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. I’ve met Linda McMahon once or twice, and Mike is my boss, sort of, around an effort called which I’ll talk about in more detail later. Should be a lively discussion...