General Motors Invests in Workforce Upskilling for EV Shift

General Motors has invested $30m in preparing its workforce at its Fairfax, Kansas facility for upcoming vehicle launches.

The investment focuses on equipping workers with advanced manufacturing skills as the company navigates both electric vehicle and internal combustion engine production.

Following the investment, the Fairfax plant will manufacture the gas-powered Equinox and a next-generation Buick compact SUV alongside its existing operations. The funding will prepare employees for advanced manufacturing techniques across both ICE and EV technologies, forming part of a broader $5.5bn (£4.4bn) manufacturing investment programme.

The move comes at a critical time for US manufacturing, with workforce challenges dominating industry concerns. The National Association of Manufacturers Q4 2025 outlook survey saw more than half of manufacturers report attracting and retaining a quality workforce as a top challenge.

Manufacturing workforce development priorities

General Motors has positioned workforce development as central to its operational strategy. Over the past five years, the company has invested US$500m (£400m) in US manufacturing apprenticeships and upskilling programmes.

Michael Youngs, GM's Fairfax Plant Director and a third-generation employee, says: "For us, this work is more than building vehicles – it's building a legacy.

General Motors has been a place where families grow their careers across generations, including my own. The investment in people isn't just about preparing for the production of new vehicles; it's about giving our people the opportunity to build a future their families can be proud of."

The Fairfax Assembly Plant has operated in Kansas City since 1946, establishing deep roots in the local community. The facility represents the kind of long-term employer where multi-generational careers have flourished.

Training infrastructure and employee support

General Motors trains roughly 2,500 employees per year in advanced manufacturing, electrification and emerging technologies at its Technical Learning University in Warren, Michigan. The company also provides up to US$8,000 in tuition assistance for employees seeking support over their long-term careers.

In the past five years, GM has invested more than US$66m in higher education to help thousands of employees pursue certificates and degrees. This approach reflects a commitment to continuous learning as manufacturing technologies evolve.

In 2024, GM says it contributed nearly US$50bn directly to the US GDP, which is more than a quarter of the auto industry's total contribution, underscoring the significance of maintaining a skilled manufacturing workforce.

Industry-wide skills development challenges

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, employment in the sector increased in January 2026, up 5,000 employees from December. However, concerns about technological change continue to shape workforce planning across the industry.

Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of the Manufacturing Institute, said in an episode of McKinsey Talks Talent: "Manufacturers need to be driving the conversation, not waiting for the workforce ecosystem to arrive at their door.

"We need to be front and centre, helping describe these opportunities and combating fears, including the assumption that AI will replace workers. Jobs will change, but workers will remain. We need to help people understand which skills they need to attain to make sure those jobs endure."

The Fairfax investment reflects broader shifts in automotive manufacturing. While EV sales are up in Asia and Europe, 2025 marked the first year sales of battery electric vehicles in the US declined.

In the US, both the New Clean Vehicle and Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle tax credits for purchasing or leasing electric vehicles expired in September 2025, impacting sales across segments.

Despite market fluctuations, GM says it had the industry's second highest EV sales in 2025. "Demand for our brands and products is strong at every price point, and we are well-positioned to build on this momentum in the year ahead," says Duncan Aldred, Senior VP and President of North America at GM.