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ACCELERATE The Essential Economy

Young adults value skilled trades but lack clear direction. A new campaign aims to show them exactly how to train for and land these high-demand careers.

Why America Needs a New Public Education Campaign to Build the Skilled Trades Pipeline

There’s a massive opportunity for young adults to fill an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions, but they aren't pursuing it. A new campaign aims to change that.

Derrick Feldmann

The State of America's Skilled Trades: A National Report examines 124 skilled trades occupations in all 50 states to identify where workers are needed and whether training is keeping pace.

Alliance for America's Skilled Trades Expands with New Companies, Unveils New National Research

As demand for skilled workers surges, 14 major companies join the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades to expand training and career access nationwide.

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.

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Top Stories

Ford Pro Advantage offers small businesses affordable, rigorously inspected Class 1-7 pre-owned commercial vehicles with warranties and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Ford Pro Advantage Just Clocked In to Provide Better Access to Work Trucks and Vans

This week in Detroit, Ford joined JPMorganChase, the State of Michigan, Michigan Central, and Newlab to launch the Michigan Launchpad for Industrial Innovation & Transformation.

How We're Betting on Michigan to Rebuild America's Supply Chains

Nate Bargatze is the face of the new Real Parts. Real Pros. Real Easy campaign, which launches Oct. 1 across streaming TV, digital video, and social media.

Ford Service’s Biggest Fan Is a Guy Who Doesn't Know What's Under the Hood

In 2026, Ford Philanthropy is focusing on tackling the barriers standing between people and skilled trades careers.

Tackling the Hidden Career Barrier: Transportation

Nate Bargatze is a proud Ford Bronco SUV owner.

Nate Bargatze Talks Skilled Trades and How He Once 'Fixed' His Car with a Tennis Ball

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

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.

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