A new poll commissioned by National Skills Coalition also reveals widespread support from Texas voters for elected officials that support skills training.
Washington, D.C. (September 9, 2024) – National Skills Coalition (NSC) unveiled today the results from a new poll, conducted by Impact Research, analyzing Texas voters’ perspectives of jobs, skills training, and the economy. The poll reveals that skills training is an issue uniting Texas voters, with 8 in 10 voters wanting policymakers to increase funding for skills training. Additionally, over two-thirds of voters (70%) are more likely to support elected officials who prioritize skills training.
“Skills training is an urgent issue that all voters across Texas can agree on, regardless of their educational background or political leaning,” said Robert Espinoza, CEO of National Skills Coalition, a national, bipartisan policy organization that fights for inclusive, high-quality skills training so that more people have access to a better life, and more local businesses see sustained growth.
“People want good jobs that allow them to obtain financial security and thrive in their lives, and skills training plays a crucial role in making that possible.”
Skills training draws notably strong bipartisan support with a vast majority of Democrats (91%), Independents (81%), and Republicans (77%) in Texas favoring increased state funding for skills training.
A majority of voters in the state (63%) perceive lack of access to skills training as a significant challenge facing workers in the current economy. Research shows skills training programs that are designed with input from employers in high-demand industries help workers be placed in jobs with higher wages, work more consistently, and be more likely to earn benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
In addition to increasing funding for skills training, voters in the state would also want to see more economic support for people in skills training programs. A majority of voters said they would support providing financial assistance for public transportation for adults participating in skills training (78%) and increasing funding for state programs that make it easier for people to get and hold onto jobs (77%).
“Voters in Texas are sending a clear message to policymakers: create more opportunities for workers to access skills training,” said Ashley R. Harris, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at United Ways of Texas. “These poll results reflect the reality of workers’ lives in Texas, as most jobs in the state already require skills training beyond high school, but not a four-year degree. By funding skills training and ensuring people in these programs have the support they need to finish training programs, we are investing in the future prosperity of our communities and businesses.”
Almost the entirety of Texas voters (97%) agree that access to skills training is a key characteristic of a good job. Additionally, over two-thirds of Texas voters (70%) said they would be ready to take advantage of opportunities to engage in skills training if offered, with this number increasing to 85% for voters under 50 without a college degree.
As the majority of jobs in Texas already require digital skills, rapidly changing technology was a top concern for voters, who see skills training as essential for adapting to this change. One-third of Texas voters (37%) have already encountered artificial intelligence on the job and a majority (53%) believe that learning to work with AI will be important for their job in the future.
This new poll is part of the “Public Perspectives” national polling series from NSC, unveiled earlier this year, covering views from voters on the most pressing issues facing our nation.
Download the full research brief here.
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Contact:
Carlos Diaz Barriga
Managing Director of Communications and Narrative Change
carlosdb@nationalskillscoalition.org
