BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford Motor Company and Google have launched the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, a coalition focused on expanding workforce training and creating pathways into skilled careers. The founding companies have already independently committed to supporting skilled workforce initiatives across 30 states.
The alliance is being formed as employers face growing shortages of electricians, technicians, builders and other workers needed across manufacturing, infrastructure and energy. An estimated 2.1 million skilled trade positions could remain unfilled by 2030.
These occupations are essential to building, operating and maintaining factories, transportation systems, energy infrastructure and other parts of the economy. Many skilled trade roles also offer above-average wages, employment benefits and long-term career opportunities without requiring a traditional four-year college degree.
The alliance will focus first on broadening awareness of skilled careers and making entry pathways more accessible. The companies want more students, workers and career changers to understand the available training options and economic opportunities associated with these occupations.
A second priority will be expanding evidence-based workforce development programs, including apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. These programs allow participants to earn income while receiving practical training and developing skills required by employers.
The alliance will work with Burning Glass and Jobs for the Future on a report examining workforce gaps, measuring progress and identifying effective training practices. The findings are expected to help employers, educators and workforce organizations direct resources toward programs producing stronger outcomes.
The coalition also plans to recruit additional companies, labor groups, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. Its founding members intend to build on existing partnerships with unions, trade associations and professional groups across the construction, electrical and other skilled sectors.
BlackRock’s participation includes Global Infrastructure Partners, which became part of the asset manager and invests in infrastructure around the world. The firm said expanding infrastructure investment will require a larger workforce capable of building and maintaining those assets.
Carhartt brings a connection to workers across construction, manufacturing, transportation and other trades through its workwear business. The company plans to help raise awareness of skilled occupations and expand access to careers that support families and local communities.
Ford employs skilled workers and technicians across its manufacturing plants and dealership network. The automaker also serves millions of trade professionals and commercial customers through Ford Pro vehicles and services.
Google has previously supported workforce training and career development programs. Through the alliance, the company plans to help increase the number of skilled workers required to construct and operate the physical infrastructure supporting technology, energy and economic growth.
The companies described the skilled labor shortage as both a national challenge and an opportunity to improve economic mobility. Their goal is to connect more Americans with stable careers while helping employers secure the workforce needed for future investment and expansion.
KEY QUOTES:
“Investment in America’s infrastructure will help shape the country’s long-term economic trajectory, but its success ultimately depends on the skilled workforce that brings these projects to life. Expanding that talent pipeline requires long-term commitment and partnership across sectors. BlackRock and GIP are proud to launch the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades to support the workers who will build, operate, and maintain the infrastructure that underpins America’s future competitiveness.”
Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, a Part of BlackRock
“For more than 137 years, Carhartt has proudly served the skilled men and women who build, repair, and keep America running. Through the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, we’re honored to work alongside like-minded organizations to raise awareness of the trades and open more pathways to meaningful careers that strengthen families, communities, and our economy.”
Linda Hubbard, President and CEO of Carhartt
“At Ford, we recognize the skilled trades workforce shortage is a national crisis but also a generational opportunity. Skilled trades are at the heart of what we call the Essential Economy, the 95 million Americans who build, move, and fix the things our country depends on every day.”
“You see it across our own business, from the tens of thousands skilled tradespeople and technicians in our plants and dealerships to the millions of workers who rely on Ford Pro vehicles to do the jobs that keep our country running. These vital trades and industries form the backbone of the American economy, and their future is America’s future. Ford’s work is inseparable from America’s, and we are honored to join these great companies who are also committed to securing our nation’s future.”
Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company
“Building the physical infrastructure for America’s future requires significantly increasing the pipeline of skilled tradespeople across the country, a challenge that can only be addressed with collective action. Google is proud to help launch the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, expanding on our years of investment to both strengthen pathways to enduring opportunities in high-demand careers and increase economic opportunity for communities across the country, powered by collaboration across industry, civil society, and government.”
Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google
