Business leaders and education executives are urging K‑12 and higher‑education institutions to increase work‑oriented learning—internships, CTE programs and apprenticeships—to close the gap between academic credentials and employer needs. Senior executives told Education Week and other outlets that students lack communication, problem‑solving and adaptability skills, alongside technical digital literacy and AI familiarity. Executives recommend integrating real‑world projects, employer mentorships and applied credentialing into curricula so graduates can transition to jobs more smoothly. Districts and colleges are piloting expanded internship pipelines and employer partnerships, but leaders caution that scaling such programs requires funding, coordination and updated accountability metrics. Actors cited include corporate employers, Education Week survey respondents, district leaders and workforce boards. Campus career offices and state policymakers will be central to any expansion of meaningful, work‑oriented learning.