Ford CEO Warns AI Is Leaving Essential Workers Behind and Calls for Urgent Action

Ford CEO Warns AI and New Technologies Are Leaving Many Workers Behind

Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, recently highlighted a growing challenge in the workforce: while artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies boost productivity in many sectors, they are leaving a large group of essential workers behind.

Speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Farley pointed to factory employees, construction workers, and HVAC installers as the "backbone of our society," yet their productivity has actually declined despite technological progress. In contrast, white collar jobs have seen a 28% increase in productivity, according to research from The Aspen Institute.

Essential Roles Are Facing Labor Shortages

Farley emphasized the urgent need to fill millions of open positions in manufacturing, construction, and technical trades. These roles remain critical even as AI and automation advance. “AI, battery plants—they all need HVAC installers, electricians, welders,” he said. He also warned about the risks of depending heavily on other countries for manufacturing, especially in defense.

The Gap in Vocational Training and Support

A major obstacle is the lack of government investment in vocational education and training programs. Farley stressed that more focus is needed on how robotics and augmented reality can enhance productivity for hands-on labor jobs.

While robotics will replace some manual jobs, Farley estimates only about 10-20% of operations can be fully automated in the near term. He shared an example from a Ford plant in Germany where a worker creatively solved a mechanical issue with simple, human ingenuity—something robots cannot replicate.

A Call for a Workforce Transition Plan

Farley is clear that companies must develop strategies to help workers transition alongside new technologies. Beyond corporate responsibility, he called for a societal mindset shift that values trade skills and does not look down on vocational paths.

He shared a personal story about his grandfather, one of Ford’s earliest hourly employees, to remind us that many family histories are rooted in these essential roles. “We have to acknowledge that these new technologies are great and will improve lives, but what about the people they leave behind?” Farley asked. “We need a plan for sustainment, and we don’t have that plan today.”

What This Means for Management

• Recognize the essential workforce: Understand the critical role of factory, construction, and technical workers and the challenges they face in a shifting labor market.
• Invest in training and support: Develop or advocate for programs that enhance skills in these sectors, including vocational training and technology integration.
• Plan for workforce transition: Prepare your organization with clear strategies to help employees adapt to AI and automation changes without leaving anyone behind.
• Shift cultural perceptions: Encourage a workplace culture that values all types of work equally, including skilled trades and hands-on roles.

For managers looking to equip their teams with relevant skills in AI and automation, exploring specialized training can help bridge the gap. Resources like Complete AI Training offer courses tailored to various job functions and skill levels.

Farley’s message is a reminder that technological progress must be inclusive. Without intentional plans, the divide between tech-empowered roles and essential labor jobs will only widen, creating risks for companies and society alike.