As the U.S. celebrates National Skilled Trades Day, General Motors emphasized its nearly $200 million invested in the past year to grow and modernize skilled trades careers.
“My first job at GM was in skilled trades, and it changed the course of my life,” Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing Mike Trevorrow said. “Seeing more people step into these roles is exciting, and I’m proud to see GM’s significant and strategic investments in these workers who are essential to our business and broader economy.”
Building today’s manufacturing workforce
A recent economic analysis of core trades, such as mechanics, electricians and technicians, estimate they generate over $1.3 trillion in annual economic impact.
Last month, GM placed approximately 90 new skilled trades apprentices across its U.S. manufacturing footprint. These individuals will begin a four-year program, where they’ll receive hands‑on instruction, classroom training and on‑the‑job experience with experienced journeypersons.
For example, New Arlington Assembly electrical apprentice Jon Kasper will visit the Technical Learning University (TLU) in Warren, MI for training. The TLU gives apprentices a sandbox to practice, test ideas and solve problems before applying those skills on the assembly line.
“I was always a science guy in school, and the labs were my favorite part. I loved getting involved and figuring things out for myself,” Kasper said. “Now I get to do that here with hands-on learning. That’s what I’m so excited about.”
Broadening pathways to good jobs through community partnerships
GM’s investment in skilled trades extends into its communities, beginning with a $1 million grant to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The funding will help expand LISC’s nationwide Bridges to Career Opportunities programs, which offers job seekers hands-on training.
“At LISC, we’re committed to creating holistic communities of opportunity that support nearly every corner of community life to fuel healthy families and businesses and grow local economies,” LISC President and CEO Michael Pugh said. “Our partnership with General Motors is an important step forward in helping us strengthen our work to advance innovative training and technology to build a future-ready workforce where demand is the strongest for these skills.”
This work is part of a broader commitment, which includes $50 million in funding aligned to STEAM education and tripling the workforce development grantmaking to $15 million.
Growing World Class Technicians to power what’s next
Beyond its manufacturing facilities, GM is investing in technicians through training and upskilling programs like the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (GM ASEP), Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program and the Technician Excellence Program.
These programs blend classroom learning with real‑world experience so participants build strong foundations in diagnostics, electronics and EV systems, earning industry‑recognized credentials.
Bringing skilled trades to life through Design
Skilled trades are also essential behind the scenes in GM Design. Fabricators, electricians, technicians and other critical skilled workers turn sketches and digital models into full-scale concepts and prototypes, while also maintaining the equipment to make that happen and the historic Global Tech Center campus in Warren, Michigan.
GM Design also fosters the development of young leaders through mentorship and training and encourages the exploration of skilled trade roles through its outreach program Youth Modelers Artists Designers (YMAD) and through collaborations with local career technical education programs for high school students.
