8 million jobs unfilled: McMahon questions US college system as AI and manufacturing gaps widen, calls for middle and high school reforms
As the US faces a growing skills gap, Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education under President Donald Trump, has raised concerns over the preparedness of graduating students for the workforce. In an interview on Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street on FOX Business, McMahon highlighted the staggering 8 million unfilled jobs across the country, questioning whether US educational institutions are adequately preparing students for the current demands of the labor market.McMahon pointed to the widening gaps in industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and manufacturing, areas that require specialized skills that are often not covered in traditional college curricula. According to McMahon, this disconnect between education and employment is contributing to the nation’s ongoing workforce challenges.Need for educational reform in the USAs quoted by FOX Business, McMahon emphasized the necessity of reevaluating the current US educational system. “We need to prepare students with the skills they need for today’s job market, especially in fields like AI and manufacturing,” she said. She noted that while higher education is important, not all careers require a four-year degree. Instead, McMahon advocated for alternative educational pathways, such as short-term certificates, which can provide the specific skills needed for high-demand sectors.The Secretary’s comments reflect a broader debate in the US about the value of traditional four-year degrees versus vocational training. McMahon suggested that reform should begin as early as middle and high school, with a focus on equipping students with the technical skills that align with industry needs. This approach, she argued, would better prepare graduates for careers in fields where the US is currently facing significant shortages of qualified workers.A shift towards vocational trainingThe current state of the US job market underscores McMahon’s concerns. As reported by FOX Business, there are nearly 8 million unfilled jobs across the country, a figure that continues to grow as employers struggle to find workers with the right skills. McMahon pointed out that the gap is particularly pronounced in sectors like AI and manufacturing, which are becoming increasingly central to the US economy.In response to this challenge, McMahon has called for more emphasis on vocational training and shorter, specialized educational programs that directly align with workforce needs. “We need to rethink how we educate students, focusing more on practical, career-oriented training that leads to meaningful employment,” she stated.McMahon’s remarks come as part of a broader push for educational reform under the Trump administration, which has placed significant focus on workforce development and vocational education. Her call for a shift in US education policy aims to address the growing disconnect between what students are learning and the skills employers require in a rapidly changing job market.
