Mike Rowe says he’s seeing a ‘seismic shift’ in the US workforce as 7.6 million open trade jobs sit unfilled. What’s driving this growing disconnect?

The numbers highlight a massive mismatch in the labor market: strong job creation, but millions of able-bodied adults still out of work.

So what’s driving this disconnect? According to Rowe, traditional higher education isn't aligning with market needs. He also noted that while AI and automation threaten many white-collar jobs, skilled trades — like plumbing, welding, and electrical work — remain "resilient in the face of technological change.”

"We are not suffering from a lack of graduates from four-year schools," Rowe said. "We are suffering from a lack of enthusiastic men and women who want to show up early, stay late, and master a skill that's in demand."

Rowe’s long game

For 17 years, Rowe has spotlighted the skilled trades through his foundation, which awards work ethic scholarships.

This year, applications "grew tenfold" compared to 2024, and the foundation pledged $5 million in scholarships targeting key sectors where labor shortages are pronounced in the trades.

According to Rowe, these sectors are "pretty much AI-proof" and include:

• 80,000 collision repair technicians in automotive
• 300,000 roles in the energy sector
• 500,000 electricians

The foundation highlights these careers as offering stability, solid pay, and opportunities for business ownership. Some scholarship recipients have gone from entry-level welders to running businesses generating $3 million annually.

Are trades the smart bet now?

With job openings remaining high and AI reshaping many white-collar career paths, skilled trades stand out for several reasons.

First, they offer job security, as their demand consistently outpaces supply in key roles like electricians and welders. Their situational and physical complexity makes them resistant to automation.