Workers assemble chassis parts for vehicle frames at the General Motors assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. ( Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The "Great Retirement" is hitting the American manufacturing sector hard. As thousands of veteran tradespeople hang up their tool belts, a massive gap is opening in the workforce. But one automotive giant isn’t just watching it happen, they’re building the solution.
General Motors (GM) recently revealed the scale of its massive commitment to the future of the trades: a $242 million investment over the past five years into its skilled trades apprenticeship program.
The Problem: A $1 Trillion Risk
The numbers are staggering. According to a 2021 report by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. manufacturing skills gap could leave 2.1 million jobs unfilled by 2030. If left unaddressed, that talent shortage could cost the American economy nearly $1 trillion.
Between 2024 and 2032, roughly 18.4 million experienced workers are expected to retire. With only 13.8 million younger workers entering the market with equivalent training, the math doesn't add up.
The GM Solution: More Than Just a Training Center
GM’s $242 million initiative is a multi-pronged attack on the labor shortage. Here is how they are rebuilding the pipeline:
Paid Apprenticeships: GM is currently training approximately 600 new apprentices every year. Unlike traditional college, these participants are paid while they learn.
Rigorous Training Standards: An apprentice at GM doesn't just "watch and learn." They undergo up to 672 hours of technical classroom instruction and a massive 7,920 hours of on-the-job training alongside a mentor.
The Gold Standard Credential: Upon completion, graduates receive a Journeyperson card, a globally recognized certification that proves they are fully qualified to work independently in their trade.
Upskilling the Current Team: Through its Technical Learning University (TLU), GM upskills another 2,500 current employees annually, ensuring they stay ahead of new technologies like robotics and EV systems.
What Trades are in Demand?
GM’s push focuses on the high-tech trades that keep modern factories running. If you are looking to enter the industry, these are the "future-proof" roles GM is targeting:
Electricians & Pipefitters
Millwrights & Toolmakers
Diemakers & Machine Repairers
Laboratory Paint Technicians
Starting Early: Kindergarten to Careers
Perhaps the most interesting part of GM’s strategy is its outreach to the next generation. GM volunteers are visiting K-12 schools, hosting plant tours, and helping kids with engineering projects. By showing students that modern manufacturing involves "thousands of robots working like a symphony," they are rebranding the trades from "dirty work" to "high-tech careers."
Powering America’s Skilled Workforce
At TradesmenUp, we are bridging the gap between employers and tradesmen who keep America running.
👉 If you’re hiring: post your open roles and explore the resume database in TradesmenUp’s job board to connect with qualified skilled tradesmen in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, and more.
👉 If you’re looking for work: create a profile and discover skilled trades jobs across the country
