Over the past few years, Ford has invested quite a lot of money in training programs for future automotive technicians, and has opened several new facilities specifically aimed at doing the same thing. The automotive industry is currently facing a shortage in that area, and projections show that the gap is only set to widen further in the near future. Recently, Ford CEO Jim Farley began discussing the struggles the “essential economy” is facing, which runs on this type of skilled labor. Now, Ford has officially revealed its new Essential Workforce Initiative aimed at fixing this major problem.
The Ford Essential Workforce Initiative consists of a partnership between Ford and its charitable arm, Ford Philanthropy, and consists of several new investments designed to boost workforce development in skilled labor. It totals $5 million additional dollars – on top of what’s already been invested – for 2025-2026, and is projected to benefit over 100,000 students and educators across the United States.
These investments are being spread across four different initiatives, starting with new state-of-the-art Ford Future Builders Labs located in Michigan and Tennessee. Those labs provide modern classroom tools like 3D printing, laser cutting, and coding, along with academic learning, helping to prepare students for today’s workforce. Ford is also partnering with SkillsUSA to expand its advanced manufacturing and automotive programs in Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and New York.
A new scholarship program will also be launched – Ford Philanthropy Advanced Manufacturing & Trades SkillPointe Scholarship in partnership with SkillPointe Foundation – and is designed to cover the costs of training, credentialing, tools, and related expenses for students and apprentices pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Finally, The Blue Oval is expanding its Ford Auto Tech Scholarship program in partnership with TechForce Foundation, adding to the $7 million it has already invested there – which has given 1,400 students in 46 states $5,000 scholarships since it originally launched in 2023.
It lost some ground to its cross-town rival in recent months, however.
A rather bizarre incident, indeed.
A DOE spokesperson denied the report.
Amid a general slowdown in demand for EVs.
With swiveling power outlets.
The latest Ford Racing Global Ambassador.
