Jim Farley Sounds Alarm on America’s Skilled-Worker Crisis — 1.7 Million Jobs Must Be Filled Every Year as Nearly a Quarter of Ford's Workforce Nears Retirement
The U.S. will need to fill about 1.7 million skilled-trades openings every year through 2035, while training programs are producing only 55 workers for every 100 needed. Demand is also accelerating: employment for electricians, HVAC technicians and industrial machinery mechanics is projected to grow at two, three and five times the rate of all occupations, respectively. Skilled Worker Gap Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F ) CEO Jim Farley said the shortage is becoming an economic and productivity challenge as a large share of the existing skilled workforce approaches retirement. "Nearly a quarter of our skilled workforce is 55 years or older," Farley said at Ford’s ACCELERATE forum held at Michigan Central in September. He warned that many of those workers will retire soon, calling the situation 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. The report also found that guidance remains a major hurdle: nearly 9 in 10 counselors often recommend a four-year degree, compared with just over half who recommend tr
S. 7 million skilled-trades openings every year through 2035, while training programs are producing only 55 workers for every 100 needed. Demand is also accelerating: employment for electricians, HVAC technicians and industrial machinery mechanics is projected to grow at two, three and five times the rate of all occupations, respectively. Skilled Worker Gap Ford Motor Co.
(NYSE: F ) CEO Jim Farley said the shortage is becoming an economic and productivity challenge as a large share of the existing skilled workforce approaches retirement. "Nearly a quarter of our skilled workforce is 55 years or older," Farley said at Ford’s ACCELERATE forum held at Michigan Central in September. He warned that many of those workers will retire soon, calling the situation 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.
The report also found that guidance remains a major hurdle: nearly 9 in 10 counselors often recommend a four-year degree, compared with just over half who recommend trade school. Demand already exceeds supply in nine states, including Texas, Florida and Arizona. The report also found that only half of people enrolling in skilled-trades training programs finish, although high-quality apprenticeships have completion rates above 90%. Transportation, childcare and the need for a paycheck can prevent workers from completing training.
"No single company can close the skilled trades gap alone," Farley said, adding that employers, educators and policymakers need to work together. Read Also: IRS Warns Americans About a Growing Tax Scam Threat — Fake Refunds, Locked Accounts, Urgent Payment Demands and More An Existing Labor Problem The warning builds on concerns raised earlier this year that the AI infrastructure boom is increasing demand for electricians, fiber technicians and mechanical tradespeople needed to build and maintain data centers. Farley has also previously highlighted Ford’s own technician shortage, including thousands of open positions and the lengthy training required to become qualified.
The latest report points to a broader challenge: replacing retiring workers while preparing enough people to fill new skilled-trades jobs across manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and other essential industries. Disclaimer: This content was produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published editors. Read Also: Elon Musk Reverses Course On His ‘Biological Bootloader’ AI Warning: ‘Propagating Super Intelligence to the Stars Is a Great Success Condition’ Image: USA TODAY Network Connect