More than 700 business and policy leaders, educators, skilled trades professionals, and young people gathered at Michigan Central Station on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, for the second annual ACCELERATE the Essential Economy.

The century-old station — brought back to life through the skill and dedication of more than 3,000 tradespeople — provided a fitting backdrop for a day of conversations, connections, and powerful moments centered on the vital role of America’s skilled trades workforce and the urgent need to build its next generation.

Voices from ACCELERATE

There were plenty of strong voices on and off the stage. Here’s what stood out:

“Together we can connect investment to opportunity and make sure that the people of Detroit share in the city's progress.” – Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield

“Choosing to be an auto mechanic or a plumber or an electrician can still be a way to get the American dream for you and your family.”

Nate Bargatze, Comedian, Actor, and so much more

“What I loved about what I heard in the morning is ... there's a real recognition that altering society’s value system around what a good job looks like and what we endorse and what we value. It's invigorating to hear us talking that way.” – Marcus von Kapff, Managing Director, JPMorganChase Security and Resiliency Initiative (SRI)

“It’s not an either (college or the trades), sometimes it’s both.” – Tanisha Bronaugh, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Breithaupt Career and Technical Center

“We know a lack of talent isn't what is keeping these skilled trades jobs unfilled. Access to reliable transportation is.”

Mary Culler, president, Ford Philanthropy

From the Feed

Beyond the stage, the conversation continues online:

Members of the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, both founding and new, shared their commitment to helping expand pathways into skilled trades careers and results from The State of America's Skilled Trades: A National Report.

“Behind every number in this report is a person who wants a chance.” – Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford

Carhartt and Ford Motor Company are joining forces to introduce the next generation to the skilled trades. Ride along with real workers to learn what the trades are really like and where they can take you.

“We opened a school for tradespeople in 1916 because we believed America’s future would be built by skilled workers. That’s as true now as it was 110 years ago. Let's make sure we’re training them.” – Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford

Tradesman Matt Panella has driven Ford F-350s for years. At ACCELERATE, he took to the stage to talk about the skilled trades and what the blue-collar path looks like moving forward.

“Matt Panella said it best. We don’t have to make the trades cool. They’re already cool.”

Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford

Attendees got a first look at the sizzle for a new public education campaign intended to help the next generation of skilled trades professionals find their way into the career. Created by the Ad Council in partnership with Ford Motor Company, Dycom, The Home Depot, and the Wallace Foundation, the campaign launches in 2027.

“You could be the smallest person, but you could have the strongest mindset in the room, and you're going to make the biggest difference there.” – Jillian Marquez, Senior Fabricator at Roush Automotive

Ford Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel Steve Croley moderated a conversation with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Under Secretary of War Michael Duffey, and mikeroweWORKS Foundation CEO Mike Rowe about skilled trades as a national education and national security priority and new programs and resources to strengthen them.

“Our founders would not have recognized the distinction between vocation and profession.” – Steve Croley, Ford Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel

Ford joined JPMorganChase, the State of Michigan, Michigan Central, and Newlab to launch Michigan LIFT— a public-private initiative designed to strengthen manufacturers’ competitiveness and supply-chain resilience while accelerating the growth of innovative Michigan suppliers.

Jim Farley shared his takeaways from the day, including a need to “design the whole path to a career.” A training seat is a start. A good-paying career is the goal.

Read his full thoughts post ACCELERATE.

Kirsty McInnes is a member of the Ford communications team.