Top News

A Growing Gap in Skilled Trades Raises Concerns Across the US

A surprising labour crisis is unfolding across the United States, where essential skilled trade jobs—such as plumbers, electricians and mechanics—are being advertised with exceptionally high salaries, yet remain vacant. Several companies, including major automakers, are struggling to fill thousands of positions despite offering pay packages running into crores of rupees annually.

High Salaries, but No Takers

For months, Ford Motor Company has been unable to hire enough trained mechanics. According to CEO Jim Farley, the company has nearly 5,000 technician roles open, many of which offer annual salaries equivalent to ₹1 crore or more. Yet the response remains alarmingly low.

Farley points out that this is not just Ford’s problem—it has become a nationwide issue. Across the US, more than one million trade-related job positions are unfilled. These include plumbers, electricians, factory technicians, truck drivers and other roles that were once considered stable, well-paying careers.

Why the Shortage Exists

Industry experts believe that the root of the problem lies in a widening gap in education, training and career aspirations among the younger generation.

Speaking on a podcast, Farley expressed concern that modern youth are drifting away from technical and hands-on jobs. He explained that mastering complex tasks—such as removing the diesel engine of a Ford Super Duty truck—can take up to five years of training. However, such specialised training is no longer widely encouraged or made accessible to students.

Farley recalled how trade skills helped earlier generations, including his own family. His grandfather worked at Ford in the company’s early years, a job that provided financial stability and helped the family move into the middle class. Today, however, fewer young people are entering these fields despite strong demand and lucrative salaries.

A Country Focused on AI, but Lacking Skilled Hands

While the United States is a leader in AI, robotics and advanced technology, the demand for manual expertise remains unmet. This shortage has begun to affect manufacturing units, automobile service centres and the national trucking network.

Production delays are becoming more common as partially assembled vehicles sit idle on assembly lines due to the lack of skilled hands to complete them.

Policy Debate: The H-1B Factor

Amid the shortage, President Donald Trump recently acknowledged on Fox News that the country does not have enough skilled workers to meet industry needs. He emphasised the importance of the H-1B visa programme for bringing in specialised talent from outside the US.

His statement came even as his administration imposed a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B applications, a move that many tech companies say will make hiring skilled foreign workers more challenging.

Trade Roles Paying ₹1 Crore Still Unfilled

In many American cities, plumbers and electricians now earn salaries exceeding $120,000—roughly equivalent to ₹1 crore per year. Despite this, companies continue to face a severe shortage of workers. Automakers such as Ford report thousands of cars waiting on assembly lines, unfinished, simply because there are not enough mechanics to complete the job.

Skilled Manpower: The Backbone of the Economy

Economists warn that the situation highlights an overlooked reality: high-tech industries alone cannot sustain a country. Skilled trades—mechanics, electricians, welders, technicians and drivers—form the foundation of manufacturing, service delivery and everyday infrastructure.

Experts caution that unless the US significantly increases its investment in vocational education, hands-on training and apprenticeship programmes, the next five years could see a deeper crisis in production capacity and essential services.