Across the United States, millions of workers in every industry rely on the availability of childcare and long-term care for their loved ones in order to stay employed and financially stable themselves. Unfortunately, these vital services are often difficult or even impossible to access, both because they are out-of-reach and unaffordable to many, and because the childcare and long-term care industries are chronically understaffed due to a lack of investment in the workforce. Even though childcare and direct care workers are essential, these sectors experience high turnover due to poor job quality, which fails to reflect the skills, dedication, and expertise these dedicated caregivers bring to their work. When workers have access to the adequate training, career pathways, and support services they need to thrive, they can continue to provide the essential care that workers, families, businesses, and communities rely on. This issue brief examines the challenges facing both childcare and direct care workers and describes why skills-focused policies can strengthen this essential workforce. It highlights why workforce development leaders should improve training and career pathways and expand access to these crucial services. Finally, the brief illustrates how National Skills Coalition is taking action to ensure care workers have access to skills training, career pathways to good jobs, and supportive services, especially in an everchanging economy where working people increasingly need care to prosper.