Today’s U.S. manufacturing industry faces many challenges, including recruiting, retaining and training skilled workers. This panel highlighted policies that strengthen America’s manufacturing base and keep America competitive and explored business efforts to address growing worker shortages.

Skilled trades workers power American industry, yet there are shortages across roles in energy production, utilities and construction. This panel discussed how Business Roundtable companies are creating innovative programs and partnerships to help close talent gaps and expand access to these high growth opportunities for American workers. 

Large employers across sectors play a vital role in powering economic mobility for American workers, which helps generate a strong U.S. economy and greater prosperity for all. This conversation explored how large employers are creating new pathways for workers with a range of skills and experiences. In particular, it focused on regional talent approaches, including how employers and educational institutions are working together to connect individuals with job opportunities. 

As the federal government sets ambitious goals to expand apprenticeships and close skill gaps, policymakers and business leaders have an opportunity to modernize America’s workforce development system. This panel explored how employers and the federal government can partner to invest in workers and accelerate economic mobility through data-driven, tech-enabled solutions. Panelists discussed the policy reforms, investments and private-sector innovations needed to build a more agile and future-ready workforce.