Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley warned that the United States must fill about 1.7 million skilled-trades openings every year through 2035, while training programs produce only 55 workers for every 100 needed. Speaking at Ford's ACCELERATE forum at Michigan Central in September, Farley said nearly a quarter of Ford's skilled workforce is 55 or older and will retire soon, calling the shortage a drag on the economy and a major productivity concern. A new report from the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades examined 124 occupations across all 50 states and found that 86 are expected to add jobs or remain steady through 2035, with demand already exceeding supply in nine states including Texas, Florida and Arizona. The report also found that nearly 9 in 10 counselors recommend a four-year degree versus just over half who recommend trade school, and that only half of people enrolling in skilled-trades training programs finish, though high-quality apprenticeships have completion rates above 90%. Farley said no single company can close the skilled trades gap alone and called for employers, educators and policymakers to work together.
Ford Motor CompanyFord CEO warns of a skilled-trades labor shortage, with nearly a quarter of Ford's skilled workforce nearing retirement, a drag on productivity and operations.
