The so-called skills gap is often discussed as an economic albatross hanging around the necks of American industry – particularly in the trades. These industries simply cannot find workers with the right skill sets to fill vacant positions, and as a result, organizations are lagging. However, rather than seeking to close this gap without first understanding it’s root cause may be ill advised. While many consider it a skills gap, the problem may actually be a value gap. At some point in American history, it was collectively decided that the skilled trades were no longer viable, credible, or honorable career paths. These jobs were so stigmatized that interest in them dwindled, and these trades are running the risk of being lost to time. Any skilled tradesperson will report that their workforces are aging, and the knowledge-keepers, or those who would be training the next generation of masters, are retiring before they can pass their skills down. To solve this problem, these aging masters should be encouraged to participate in the American education system. It should be made possible for soon-to-retire masters to move into semi-retired paid educator positions in K-12 schools. This way interest is instilled early, and knowledge can be passed down from generation to generation.