Google, Ford, BlackRock, Carhartt form alliance to expand skilled trades access

“This will increase their own economic options and mobility as they build the infrastructure for America’s future economic success. We are starting with training in 30 states and have the goal of expanding across America.”

According to the CEOs, they are working together to multiply their impact in three key areas:

• Building the skilled trades pipeline by expanding access and increasing exposure to the trades for more Americans
• Scale evidence-based workforce development approaches such as investing in apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships programmes that can generate opportunities to learn and earn on the job
• Expand the partnership to like-minded industry, labour, education, and nonprofit organisations to reach more workers and communities

“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,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google.

Looming skilled trades shortage

The new alliance comes in the wake of a shortage forecast for the skilled trades workforce, where 2.1 million positions are predicted to be left unfilled by 2030.

The shortage may include around 130,000 electrical workers by 2030, and more than 350,000 new auto-technicians by 2029.