Industry giants see the value of investing in skilled trades

steve bates
Jul 31
3 min read

The demand for skilled trades workers is rising rapidly across the United States. Companies like Ford, Google, Carhartt, and BlackRock have recently joined forces to promote careers in skilled trades, recognizing the critical role these jobs play in the economy. This collaboration highlights a growing awareness among industry leaders that investing in skills development, education, and training is essential to fill the millions of open positions in trades such as manufacturing, construction, and technology.

This blog post explores how this alliance aligns with the work of organizations like BPI (Bates Philanthropic Initiative) and the broader movement to support career and technical education (CTE). It also examines how scholarships, training programs, and community partnerships can help build a stronger workforce, especially in states like Colorado where tens of thousands of vacant skilled trades positions are vital to economic growth.

Eye-level view of a skilled trades workshop with tools and equipment arranged neatly

Why skilled trades matter more than ever

The U.S. faces a shortage of skilled workers, with millions of jobs going unfilled in sectors that require hands-on expertise. In Colorado, there are over 180,000 vacant skills-based jobs across dozens of industries. This shortage threatens infrastructure projects, manufacturing output, and even the technology sector, which increasingly relies on technicians and specialized tradespeople.

Industry giants stepping up to promote skilled trades signals a shift in how these careers are viewed. No longer seen as fallback options, skilled trades are gaining recognition as well-paying, stable jobs that offer long-term career growth. This shift is crucial for donors and supporters who want to invest in programs that create real opportunities for young people and adults alike.

How Ford, Google, Carhartt, and BlackRock are making a difference

These companies have launched initiatives to:

Increase awareness about the value of skilled trades careers.
Provide scholarships and funding to support training and education.
Partner with schools and community colleges to expand CTE programs.
Create apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities.

For example, Ford has committed to funding scholarships for students pursuing automotive and manufacturing trades. Google supports tech-related trades through grants and partnerships with vocational schools. Carhartt, a brand known for durable workwear, invests in programs that prepare workers for construction and industrial jobs. BlackRock brings financial resources and strategic support to scale these efforts.

BPI’s role in advancing skills and workforce development

BPI focuses on enabling financially disadvantaged Colorado teens to gain economic mobility and transition to adulthood by funding training and certification in Colorado's skills-based career pathways. Their work directly supports the skilled trades by:

Offering scholarships for industry-recognized certifications that validate workers’ skills.
Access to training programs that help workers stay current with evolving technologies.
Collaborating with Colorado high schools and community colleges to create more awareness and access to funding and wraparound services for disadvantaged teens.

The importance of scholarships and CTE programs

Scholarships play a critical role in making skilled trades education accessible. Many students face financial barriers that prevent them from enrolling in CTE programs or apprenticeships. Industry partnerships that fund scholarships help remove these obstacles.

CTE programs offer hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world jobs. These programs often include:

Practical training in dozens of trades like healthcare, welding, HVAC, electrical work, hospitality, and environmental resources.
Opportunities for internships and apprenticeships with local employers.
Pathways to certifications and licenses that increase employability.

Supporting CTE in states like Colorado means investing in the future workforce. It also helps communities by creating jobs that pay well and require skills that are in high demand.

How donors can make an impact

Donors interested in workforce development and supporting in-need Colorado teens can support BPI's mission in several ways:

Funding scholarships for students pursuing CTE and trade certifications.
Backing partnerships between BPI and local nonprofit partners to deliver critical wraparound services that support students staying on track
Volunteering as a professional mentor to BPI Scholars that are in training for skills-based careers.

Investing in these areas helps build a pipeline of qualified workers ready to meet the demands of employers like Ford, Google, and others.

Supporting skilled trades is not just about filling jobs; it’s about building strong communities and sustainable economies. Industry leaders recognize this, and their collaboration sets a powerful example. By continuing to fund scholarships, expand CTE programs, and promote hands-on training, donors can help ensure that workers in Colorado and beyond have access to rewarding careers that meet the needs of today’s economy.

The future of skilled trades depends on partnerships that connect education, industry, and community resources. Together, these efforts create pathways to success for workers and strengthen the industries that rely on their expertise. Supporting this movement is a smart investment in the workforce and the economy for years to come.