BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford and Google Launch New Alliance to Expand Skilled Workforce Training
BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford and Google Launch New Alliance to Expand Skilled Workforce Training |
| [21-July-2026] |
New coalition aims to help address America's growing skilled labor shortage and create pathways to high-quality careers across the country DEARBORN, Mich. and NEW YORK and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Four leading American companies – BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford Motor Company, and Google – have come together to launch the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades, a new initiative focused on expanding access to skilled trades training and helping meet the nation's growing workforce needs. The founding members of the Alliance have already independently committed to supporting skilled workforce training initiatives in 30 states across the U.S.
The United States is experiencing a surging demand for skilled workers across industries critical to the country's future, creating a milestone moment for the American people. An estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions could go unfilled by 2030, including for electrical workers, technicians, and builders. These open roles are vital to supporting critical industries – including infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing – and they offer workers the chance to benefit from the higher wages and greater economic mobility that skilled jobs provide.1 The skilled trades are not only crucial to a thriving, modern economy, they can be pathways to greater economic mobility, stable employment, and long-term financial security for millions of Americans and their families. Workers in infrastructure-related skilled trades earn above-average wages in the U.S. and often have access to employment benefits like retirement savings and health care – without requiring the cost of a four-year college degree.2 Through the Alliance, the companies aim to multiply their impact in three key areas:
Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock, said, "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." Linda Hubbard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carhartt, added, "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." Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, said, "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." Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, said: "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." Two and a half centuries ago, America's founders launched a great national experiment. That experiment succeeded beyond what anyone could have imagined—thanks in large part to the skilled workers who actually built the nation. Along the way, they turned hard work into lasting opportunity. By working together, the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades aims to make that dream a reality for a new generation. About BlackRock About Carhartt About Ford Motor Company About Google Media Contacts BlackRock Carhartt Ford Motor Company Google
SOURCE CARHARTT | ||||
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