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ACCELERATE The Essential Economy

ACCELERATE the Essential Economy 2026 will convene business and policy leaders, educators, small and mid-sized business owners, and Essential Economy workers to explore cross-sector solutions to closing America's skilled trades gap. Jessica S. is a heat treatment plant manager.

America’s Skilled Trades Gap Demands Faster Action

Let’s Accelerate Together.

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Sept. 30 at Michigan Central in Detroit

What Is ACCELERATE?

Ford will convene business and policy leaders and more to explore cross-sector solutions to closing America's skilled trades gap. Click the logo for more.

Speakers Leading the Conversation

Catch Up on Last Year's Event

Ford HQ

30.09.25

Business leaders and government affairs officials say America needs to shift regulation, education to favor blue-collar jobs.

Leaders, including Jim Farley (right), held the first national conversations on the Essential Economy on Sept. 30 at the Ford Pro Accelerate event.

“If productivity in the Essential Economy had kept pace with its growth over 20 years prior, US GDP would be 10 percent higher today.”

Aspen Institute Report

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Top Stories

Today, Ford and founding partners at BlackRock, Google, and Carhartt have established the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades.

Ford Joins BlackRock, Google, and Carhartt to Establish Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades

The Ford and Carhartt partnership will include new merchandise and Ford Trucks, starting with a 2027 Super Duty Carhartt truck, coming later this year.

Forged in Detroit: Ford and Carhartt Partner to Strengthen Essential Economy

Elizabeth Kraft

Ford and Bloomberg Philanthropies are announcing a $5 million investment to help Detroit students prepare for high-demand auto technician careers.

The Future of the Auto Industry Relies on Building a Technician Pipeline

Mary Culler and Daniel Justo

Bonus Episode: Jim Farley & Mike Rowe on the Essential Economy

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Productivity