Exclusive | The U.S. Needs Mechanics and Electricians. Big Business Is Spending to Create Some.

June 7, 2026 - 12:20

Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced a new $90 million initiative aimed at tackling a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States. The program includes a notable partnership with Ford Motor Company, which has been struggling to find enough mechanics to work at its dealerships across the country.

The funding will support training programs for careers in automotive repair, electrical work, and other hands-on fields. These jobs have become harder to fill in recent years as fewer young people enter the trades, preferring college degrees or tech jobs instead. At the same time, the rise of electric vehicles is creating demand for workers who can handle high-voltage systems and complex software, skills that many older mechanics do not have.

Ford has been hit particularly hard by the shortage. The company says it needs thousands of new technicians to service its growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles. Without enough trained workers, dealerships have faced longer wait times for repairs and lost revenue.

The Bloomberg program will work with community colleges and technical schools to create fast-track courses. Students can earn certificates in months rather than years. The goal is to place graduates directly into jobs at Ford dealerships or other participating companies.

This is not the first time big business has stepped in to solve a labor shortage. Similar programs have been tried in manufacturing and health care. But the scale of this effort, combined with the focus on both traditional and electric vehicles, signals a shift. Companies are realizing they cannot rely on the school system alone to produce the workers they need.

The initiative is set to launch in several states this fall, with plans to expand nationwide within two years.