Skilled Trades for America Initiative

The Business Roundtable Skilled Trades for America Initiative (STAI) was launched in 2025 in response to growing labor shortages affecting the strength and competitiveness of the American industrial base. STAI expands and strengthens talent pipelines for skilled workers by convening member companies to share best practices in workforce development; developing pilot projects and partnerships to address local workforce needs; and raising awareness of skilled trades careers and their importance to the U.S. economy.

CEO Leadership on Workforce Challenges

Work In Progress Podcast Series

Skilled Trades for America Forum

Case Studies

National Partners

Member Companies in Action

CEO Leadership on Workforce Challenges

Business Roundtable CEOs are working together to expand opportunities in the skilled trades that are critical to the growth of America’s production economy, including roles in the industrial and manufacturing, construction and building, maintenance and repair, and energy sectors.

Mental Health Prevalence

Labor shortages in the skilled trades are widening, with estimates showing 20 job openings for every one net new worker, as retirements and industry demand continue to rise.

Productivity & Resources

Manufacturers may need 3.8 million new workers between 2024 and 2033, with nearly 1.9 million roles at risk of going unfilled if talent gaps persist.

Cost of Depression

The construction industry is projected to require more than 500,000 additional workers each year to keep pace with ongoing demand.

Work in Progress Podcast Series

Conversations with CEOs on the Future of America’s Skilled Trades Workforce

Work in Progress is a 12-part CEO interview series on the This Old House Radio Hour podcast about strengthening America’s skilled trades workforce. Skilled trades careers are critical to America’s growth and competitiveness, yet there are an estimated 20 job openings for every net new worker entering the field. Hear how Business Roundtable CEOs are addressing the challenge by investing in training, partnerships and programs to develop the talent America needs.

The series is presented by Business Roundtable in partnership with the Human Potential Network.

Oct 13, 2026

Kristen Silverberg

President & COO, Business Roundtable

“We have a significant gap in qualified skilled professionals, and it’s only going to become more significant because the demand for skilled professionals is just going to increase. … To see the business community coming together as one to make it more attractive, to honor, to reward, to recognize our skilled professionals … They’re the heartbeat of the country.”

David Gitlin

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Carrier Global Corporation

Bio

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Skilled Trades for America Forum

Business Roundtable convened CEOs, policymakers, training providers and workforce partners at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, to examine how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen skilled trades talent pipelines.

Case Studies

Gain insights from Business Roundtable, its member companies and national partners on why expanding talent pipelines in the skilled trades is critical to U.S. economic strength, global competitiveness and expanding opportunities for American workers.

National Partners

Business Roundtable partners with national nonprofits to expand training, work-based learning opportunities and career exposure for Americans pursuing skilled trades careers.