The report estimates that 24% of the skilled trades workforce is aged 55 or older, raising concerns about retirements and replacement needs. Demand is also growing amid investments in data centres, energy modernisation and advanced manufacturing.
The US needs roughly 1.7 million new skilled workers annually through 2035, according to The State of America’s Skilled Trades report.
Yet the Trump administration has tightened restrictions on foreign workers, including suspending eight technology and outsourcing firms from filing new applications under the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, according to The Times of India. The administration has said its aim is to encourage companies to hire American workers. US officials cited concerns about wage undercutting and alleged misuse of foreign-worker programmes.
A test for US workforce policy
The two developments present a challenge for US workforce policy. The skilled-trades report points to a substantial shortfall in the domestic pipeline, while the immigration crackdown seeks to reduce reliance on foreign workers.