Ford CEO warns US of a workforce crisis: “We have 5,000 skilled-mechanic jobs unfilled even with a $120,000 salary.”

Core Insights - The CEO of Ford, Jim Farley, highlighted a significant labor shortage in the U.S., with over one million skilled-trade and manual-labor positions unfilled, despite competitive salaries [7][2] - The shortage is attributed to a decline in the supply of trained workers rather than a lack of available jobs, as evidenced by over 400,000 open manufacturing positions even with rising unemployment at 4.3% [7][2] - Farley criticized the collapse of trade-based education and apprenticeships, emphasizing the need for vocational training to prepare the next generation for skilled jobs [3][7] Labor Market Challenges - Ford is struggling to fill 5,000 skilled-mechanic roles, offering salaries around $120,000, indicating a national crisis affecting various sectors including manufacturing and emergency services [7][2] - The labor gap is structural, not merely financial, as skilled-trade positions remain difficult to fill despite improved pay and benefits [4][7] Educational Concerns - Farley pointed out the lack of trade schools and decades of underinvestment in vocational education, which has led to a decline in the number of trained workers [3][7] - The need for long training periods in skilled trades means that rebuilding the talent pipeline will take years [5][7] Potential Solutions - There is a growing trend among Gen Z to pursue trade jobs, with trade-school enrollment rising 16% last year, reflecting a shift away from the traditional college-only pathway [5][7] - However, this trend may not be sufficient to quickly close the labor gap due to the extensive training required for skilled trades [5][7] Economic Implications - Without significant reinvestment in training, apprenticeships, and vocational pathways, the U.S. risks undermining its economic engine, as skilled trades are essential for maintaining infrastructure and manufacturing [6][5][7]