Ford and Italian unions warn of looming skilled‑worker shortage in automotive sector

Ford CEO Jim Farley says the United States could face up to 2.1 million vacant skilled jobs by 2030, including about 350 000 automotive technicians and 130 000 electricians. The shortage is aggravated by the shift to electric vehicles, which require more complex electronic systems and higher‑voltage batteries. Ford itself has struggled to fill roughly 5 000 mechanic positions despite offering salaries of $120 000, and has partnered with investment firm BlackRock and apparel maker Carhartt to launch training programmes aimed at creating a pipeline of qualified workers.

In Italy, union leader Braccini of Fiom‑CGIL warns that similar dynamics threaten jobs at component manufacturers such as Magna and Pierburg. He cites recent plant shutdowns in Detroit and potential closures in Europe, arguing that without coordinated industrial policy and local government action, the sector could see a gradual erosion of employment. Both speakers call for renewed vocational training and strategic planning to address the talent gap.