Overview

• Jim Farley said his 17-year-old spent the summer welding and turning wrenches, then asked why a four-year degree was necessary.
• Ford convened a CEO summit in Detroit this week focused on the “essential economy,” with business and government leaders weighing workforce fixes.
• Farley said Ford has expanded apprenticeships and partnered with nonprofits to open new training paths and counter stigma around trade work.
• Aspen Institute research pegs essential-economy activity at $7.5 trillion in GDP and 52 million jobs, while Tech Force estimates over 100,000 automotive technicians are needed each year.
• Farley warned that shortages in electricians, mechanics, and emergency services risk national resilience, arguing that AI growth still depends on skilled trades.