Ford’s CEO says the skilled-labor shortage is a “huge crisis.” Here’s how you can turn that gap into your opportunity.
At Ford’s recent Pro Accelerate summit, CEO Jim Farley sounded the alarm: “It’s unbelievable how chronic the shortage of skilled labor is.” He pointed to the strain on construction, data-center builds, and essential services and called for real investment in training and apprenticeships. Ford followed that talk with action, convening 300 national leaders and announcing new workforce investments aimed at 100,000+ students and educators, all to close the skills gap in the “Essential Economy.”
What that means for North Carolina
- The construction industry alone must attract ~439,000 additional workers in 2025 to meet demand. That’s nationwide pressure felt here at home.
- Plumbers are a core part of the fix—vital for housing, hospitals, data centers, and every commercial build.
Pay and stability are strong: The U.S. median pay for plumbers was $62,970 in May 2024, with ~44,000 job openings each year projected through 2034.
Quick facts (Plumbing careers)
- U.S. median pay: $62,970 (May 2024)
- Job outlook (2024–2034): +4% (about average)
- Projected openings: ~44,000 per year
- Durham-Chapel HillNC averages: ~$28.36/hr (BLS-based local estimates)
The School of Skilled Trades (SoST): Training Durham’s Next Generation of Plumbers
We built our plumbing program to match exactly what employers need—hands-on skills, jobsite safety, and real-world problem-solving—so you’re ready to work fast.
What you’ll learn
- Tool use, codes, and safety (OSHA-minded best practices)
- Residential rough-in and finish: PEX, copper, PVC, cutting, soldering, joining
- Water heaters, fixtures, and basic service diagnostics
- Reading simple plans, measuring, and layout
- Customer communication and jobsite professionalism
How we train
- Hands-on labs in Durham—practice like it’s the job
- Small cohorts for personal coaching and faster progress
- Career support: resume help, interview prep, and introductions to local employers
- Apprenticeship-ready: structured to help you step into paid work while you keep learning
Our goal is simple: debt-smart, job-ready training that gets you earning while your peers are still taking on student loans.
Why learn plumbing now?
How SoST closes the gap leaders are talking about
- We exist to solve the pipeline problem Jim Farley called out—by training new plumbers quickly and effectively for local employers.
- We partner with businesses that need talent now—so your training maps to real job openings.
- We focus on outcomes, not debt. Start earning faster and build a respected, durable career.
Ready to start?
Request Info – Get details on start dates, costs, and funding options.
Schedule a Tour – See our shops, meet instructors, and talk next steps.
Apply Now – Reserve your seat for the next plumbing cohort.
