Ford CEO Jim Farley Reiterates Labor Shortage, Says He Has '5,000 Openings,' Six-Figure Salary For Skilled Technicians - Ford Motor (NYSE:F)

Core Insights - The CEO of Ford Motor Co., Jim Farley, emphasized the critical shortage of skilled technicians in the U.S. automotive industry, highlighting over a million job openings in essential sectors [2][4] - Ford currently has 5,000 job openings for technicians, with positions offering salaries around $120,000 per year, but it takes five years to train these technicians [3][5] Group 1: Technician Shortage - Farley stated that the lack of skilled workers is a significant issue for the U.S., affecting various industries including emergency services and manufacturing [2][4] - The company has reported that over 6,000 service bays at Ford dealerships are empty due to the technician shortage [5] Group 2: Economic Implications - Farley warned that the shortage of technicians poses a "self-defense" issue for the U.S., suggesting that the country may struggle to produce essential military equipment without skilled labor [4] - The CEO's comments reflect a broader concern about the investment in education and training for the next generation of workers [3] Group 3: Recall Issues - Ford is facing a significant recall challenge, with 134 recalls planned for 2025, but Farley views these recalls as a potential opportunity for the company [6]