Ford Joins Aspen Institute to Promote Blue-Collar Jobs and Address Skills Gap
Ford, the iconic American automaker, is taking a stand to address the skilled labor shortage in trades and promote the value of blue-collar jobs. The company has joined forces with the Aspen Institute to launch initiatives aimed at strengthening training and education in these vital sectors.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has personally advocated for this cause. He believes that the overemphasis on tech jobs has led to an undervaluing of blue-collar workers, a vulnerability he sees in national defense. To drive home this point, Farley even encouraged his teenage son to take a 'job near me' as a welder.
The 'essential economy', which includes industries like manufacturing, construction, and transportation, contributes a staggering 7.5 trillion USD (6.3 trillion EUR) to the US GDP and supports 52 million jobs. Yet, it faces a significant skills gap. Ford is committed to addressing this issue by working with the Aspen Institute to develop apprenticeship programs, promote workforce development strategies, and invest in education and training. This effort aims to create a pipeline of qualified workers, with a focus on the automotive industry where over 100,000 new 'indeed jobs' need to be created annually in the US.
Ford's initiative, in collaboration with the Aspen Institute, seeks to strengthen the skilled trades economy and address the labor shortages in essential sectors. By investing in training and education, Ford aims to not only fill job vacancies but also to highlight the importance and value of blue-collar jobs in society and the national economy.
