As the nation recently celebrated National Skilled Trades Day, General Motors is shining a light on the people whose hands bring its innovations to life, and the nearly $200 million investment it made in the past year to grow and modernize skilled trades careers across the country.

For more than a century, GM has invested in the development of skilled trades. From manufacturing facilities and technical centers to dealership service bays and community-based training programs, we are expanding pathways into high‑demand skilled trades and advanced manufacturing, engineering, and technician roles.

The goal for GM is to support its current workforce with the skills and development they need while building clear, compelling career paths for the next generation.

“My first job at GM was in skilled trades, and it changed the course of my life,” said Mike Trevorrow, senior vice president, global manufacturing, “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.”

Across the country, skilled trades are a powerful economic engine, and GM said interest in these jobs is rising, particularly among younger Americans. A recent economic analysis of core trades such as mechanics, electricians, and technicians estimated they generate over $1.3 trillion in annual economic impact.

Building the Manufacturing Workforce

Our manufacturing teams are the connective tissue between the company vision and the vehicles and parts our customers rely on every day.

Last month, GM placed approximately 90 new skilled trades apprentices across its U.S. manufacturing footprint. These individuals will begin a four-year apprenticeship program, where they’ll receive hands‑on instruction, classroom training, and on‑the‑job experience with experienced journeypersons.

New Arlington Assembly electrical apprentice Jon Kasper is looking forward to his upcoming visits to the Technical Learning University (TLU) in Warren, Michigan, 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.”

Pathways to Good Jobs Through Community Partnerships

GM’s investment in skilled trades extends beyond its walls and into its communities, beginning with a new $1 million grant to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The funding will help expand LISC’s nationwide Bridges to Career Opportunities programs, which offer job seekers hands-on training paired with career and financial coaching to prepare them for good jobs in the trades and future career advancement.