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The United States faces a growing shortage in skilled trades, a workforce critical to maintaining infrastructure and supporting economic growth. As retirements outpace new entrants, companies are scrambling to build pipelines of qualified workers—perhaps none more aggressively than General Motors.
Investing in the Next Generation of Skilled Workers
Over the past five years, GM has poured more than $242 million into its skilled trades apprenticeship program, according to Fox Business. The initiative combines classroom instruction with thousands of hours of hands-on training at GM facilities, covering roles such as electricians, millwrights, pipefitters, toolmakers, and laboratory paint technicians. Apprentices complete up to 672 hours of classroom learning and roughly 7,920 hours of on-the-job experience under the guidance of a qualified mentor.
Participants emerge with a journeyperson card, certifying they are fully qualified to work independently in their trade. Veterans may complete the program in less time, depending on prior experience. The program graduates approximately 600 apprentices annually, reflecting GM’s long-term commitment to workforce development.
Addressing a National Skills Gap
The shortage of skilled trades workers is not unique to GM. Georgetown University reports that from 2024 to 2032, approximately 18.4 million experienced workers with postsecondary education will retire, while only 13.8 million younger workers will enter the labor market with equivalent credentials. The U.S. economy is projected to add 685,000 new jobs requiring postsecondary education and training over the same period.
Industry groups warn that the manufacturing skills gap could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, potentially costing the economy $1 trillion. GM’s apprenticeship program is a direct response to these trends, aiming to supply the skilled labor that the industry desperately needs.
Engaging Youth and Training Current Workers
As part of its effort to address the skilled trades shortage, GM employees visit schools and host plant tours to expose students to careers in modern manufacturing. Activities include hands-on projects such as building model cars and working with robotics, designed to introduce young people to problem-solving, quality control, and standardized processes in the industry.
The company also provides ongoing training for current employees through its Technical Learning University. Around 2,500 workers participate each year, practicing on real systems and learning new technologies in a controlled, hands-on environment. These programs aim to help the workforce adapt as manufacturing technologies evolve.
Addressing the Skilled Trades Gap
GM’s combined approach of apprenticeships, youth outreach, and employee training reflects larger efforts to respond to the nationwide shortage of skilled trades workers. Analysts warn that retirements and rising demand are straining the labor pipeline, making workforce development a critical focus for the manufacturing sector.
