US needs 1.7m skilled workers a year, but Trump's visa war risks talent crunch

The report estimates that 24% of the skilled trades workforce is aged 55 or older, raising concerns about retirements and replacement needs. Demand is also growing amid investments in data centres, energy modernisation and advanced manufacturing. The US needs roughly 1.7 million new skilled workers annually through 2035, according to The State of America’s Skilled Trades report. Yet the Trump administration has tightened restrictions on foreign workers, including suspending eight technology and outsourcing firms from filing new applications under the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, according to The Times of India.The contrast highlights the challenge facing the US as it seeks to meet growing demand for skilled workers while prioritising domestic hiring.The report, backed by Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the Burning Glass Institute (BGI), says the US workforce system is preparing only 55 qualified workers for every 100 needed across key technical fields.It estimates that 24% of the skilled trades workforce is aged 55 or older, raising concerns about retirements and replacement needs. Demand is also growing amid investments in data centres, energy modernisation and a...