Ford and Carhartt Partner to Solve Mechanic Shortage

Two of America's most iconic industrial brands are joining forces to tackle a growing labor crisis. Ford Motor Company and workwear giant Carhartt have announced a strategic partnership designed to rebuild the nation's pipeline of skilled trade workers.

The initiative comes as Ford faces an urgent need for qualified mechanics, currently boasting 5,000 open positions across its dealership service centers. By combining Ford's technical training resources with Carhartt's cultural appeal, the Detroit-based companies aim to attract thousands of young workers to the automotive repair industry.

The collaboration between the automaker and the 137-year-old workwear brand is structured around three core components designed to lower barriers to entry for aspiring technicians. The goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of talent that can support the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

Key elements of the partnership include:

• Opening a ToolBank USA location in Detroit to lend 25,000 tools annually
• Outfitting Ford's auto tech scholars with free head-to-toe Carhartt workwear
• Launching a line of co-branded products for the public
• Donating an F-150 to ToolBank to extend mobile reach

While the companies did not disclose specific financial terms, the investment represents a significant bet on the future of the essential economy. Ford Philanthropy President Mary Culler emphasized that while the work is philanthropic in nature, it is fundamentally a business imperative for the company and the country.

The urgency of the initiative is driven by stark warnings from Ford leadership regarding the state of blue-collar employment. CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly highlighted that the U.S. faces a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople—including mechanics, electricians, and plumbers—within the next five to ten years.

If Henry Ford saw what has become of us, I think he'd be kind of mad.

Ford currently has 5,000 open positions at its dealerships, including six-figure technician jobs. Since 2018, the company has trained 1,400 technicians through its partnership with the TechForce Foundation, filling less than a third of its current vacancies. The deficit is top of mind for the company, which calls these workers the backbone of the 'essential economy.'

A major hurdle in recruitment is the outdated perception of what a mechanic's job entails. According to Ford executives, many potential applicants still imagine a 'greasy job' rather than the computer-intensive reality of modern auto repair.

Today's vehicles feature advanced driver-assist systems, backup cameras, and autonomous features, requiring technicians to possess sophisticated diagnostic skills. Mary Culler noted that prospective employees often express surprise, saying, 'I didn't realize it wasn't the greasy job I expected.'

To combat this image, the program offers wraparound support beyond just tuition. This includes:

• Free tool kits to overcome cost barriers
• Transportation assistance to training facilities
• Exposure to high-profile motorsports careers

Students are occasionally taken to Formula 1 and NASCAR races to demonstrate that career paths extend far beyond local dealerships.

While Ford seeks to fill service bays, Carhartt views the partnership as a long-term investment in brand loyalty and recruitment. Linda Hubbard, CEO of Carhartt, sees the initiative as a way to outfit workers throughout their entire careers, from their first day in a repair shop to the day they run their own businesses.

You might start out as a laborer in the trades, but you could end up owning your own business.

The partnership also serves Carhartt's own hiring needs at its manufacturing facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee. By getting young workers into Carhartt gear early—potentially at age 20—the brand hopes to cultivate lifetime customers. The commercial aspect of the deal extends to consumer products, with plans to launch Ford co-branded apparel and a Super Duty Carhartt edition truck in the latter half of 2026.

The collaboration between Ford and Carhartt represents a high-profile attempt to reinvigorate the manual labor pipeline in America. By leveraging their combined Detroit heritage and cultural cachet, the companies hope to make trade careers appealing to a generation that may have overlooked them.

Success will be measured by the thousands of new technicians entering the workforce, equipped with the skills and tools necessary for the modern automotive landscape. As the program rolls out co-branded products and expands its training reach, the industry will be watching to see if this blend of philanthropy and marketing can solve a critical economic gap.