Report: NJ skilled trades face shortage as workers age

The Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades released a report Sept. 30 that finds nearly one-third of New Jersey’s skilled-trades work force is aged 55 and older.

That means just 7% of the workforce is 25 and younger, making New Jersey one of nine states where the demand for these skilled trades workers is outpacing the supply.

The report shows that New Jersey is struggling to retain its skilled trades worker. The state has 4,692 workers arrive per year, with 7,107 exiting the state at the same time. In total, N.J. loses about 2,400 people on average each year to other states.

Nationally, projections for approximately 1.7 million skilled-trades openings will need to be filled each year through 2035. The report cited job growth and the replacement of workers either retiring or moving on as drivers. According to the findings, roughly 55 workers are being prepared for every 100 workers needed.

In the report, Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Jim Farley acknowledged these numbers aren’t good enough — and that companies need to find a way to bridge the gap.

“No single company can close the skilled trades gap alone. Training just 55 workers for every 100 needed puts economic growth at risk and leaves people without a clear path to a good career,” Farley said. “These careers deserve respect. Employers, educators, and policymakers must work together to help people get the training, support, and jobs they need to succeed.”

The Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades report examined over 124 trades. Of those, New Jersey experiences the most shortages in:

• Cabinetmakers and bench carpenter
• Stationary engineers and boiler operators
• Industrial and refractory machinery mechanics
• Tool and die makers
• Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
• Electricians
• Construction and building inspectors
• Carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers
• Millwrights

Founded in July 2026 by BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford and Google, the Alliance welcomed 14 new members Sept. 30: AT&T, Barton Malow, Blackstone, Cintas Corp., DEWALT, Dycom, The Hershey Co., ManpowerGroup, Meta, Microsoft, Milwaukee Tool, NVIDIA, Verizon and Waymo.

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