Google, Ford, Carhartt, BlackRock launch Alliance for America's Skilled Trades

An instructor teaches construction skills at Revolution Workshop on May 8, 2026, in Chicago, Ill. · ESG Dive · Scott Olson via Getty Images

By Lamar Johnson Mon, July 27, 2026 at 5:39 AM PDT | 3 min read

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Dive Brief

• Google, Ford, Carhartt, and BlackRock launched a partnership last week to expand access to training programs for skilled trades.
• The initiative, called the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades, aims to broaden access to vocational careers and raise awareness of jobs needed to support critical industries such as infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, according to a July 21 press release.
• Recent research from commercial real estate company JLL indicates that a shortfall of trade workers could result in more than 2.1 million unfilled positions for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, pipefitters, construction equipment operators, and general maintenance workers by 2030.

Dive Insight

BlackRock found that employment in infrastructure-related jobs—including welders, carpenters, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters—is expected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, outpacing the projected national average employment growth of 3%, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics outlooks.

A separate report from McKinsey & Company found that skilled labor shortages, geopolitical shifts, and other factors are increasing investment needs and "changing how infrastructure is planned, financed, and executed." The report estimates that up to $85 trillion in investments will be needed to support infrastructure for transportation, energy, digital, water, and waste sectors over the next 15 years.

The four founding alliance members have independently committed to supporting workforce training initiatives across 30 states, according to the press release. The group stated its goals are to build a "skilled trades pipeline" and scale up workforce development approaches, including apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs.

"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." — Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Google

To expand the pipeline of skilled trades workers, the alliance said it will provide "clear, accessible pathways" and partner with education and workforce training organizations Jobs for the Future and the Burning Glass Institute on a report to identify gaps, measure progress, and share best practices. The alliance also plans to expand to "like-minded industry, labor, education, and nonprofit organizations."

Key Data Points

• 600,000 jobs were posted for skilled trades in 2025, but only 150,000 people entered the labor pool through apprenticeships, according to JLL.
• Rising college tuition, $1.8 trillion in student loan debt, and disruption from artificial intelligence are "reshaping career decisions," JLL added.
• Research from the Department of Education found that labor shortages and skills gaps are "especially acute in manufacturing, construction, and other skilled trades," where for every five workers who retire, only two replacements enter the workforce.
• The DOE estimated that the shortfall of skilled trade workers could lead to up to $1 trillion in annual economic losses.

Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said in the release that the automaker sees the skilled workforce as essential to its operations and future growth.