The Department of War launched a national workforce initiative this week to address talent shortages in the defense industrial base.
The effort, called BuildFreedom.US, includes $10 million in funding presented by Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey to Mike Rowe in support of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Scholarship program.
“On behalf of everyone at the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, I’m honored to accept this donation from BuildFreedom.US. Every penny will be spent on training the next generation of skilled workers for a long list of essential jobs – specifically the hundreds of thousands of good jobs currently open in the defense industrial base,” said Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation.
“Closing America’s skills gap has become a matter of national security, and initiatives like BuildFreedom.US are precisely what our country needs to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. I’m excited to participate in this effort and looking forward to helping thousands of Americans get the training they need to start a meaningful career in the skilled trades.”
The program targets high-paying, AI-proof jobs in the skilled trades for students, young adults, veterans, and transitioning service members.
Created through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, BuildFreedom.US unites government, industry, and educational institutions to provide scholarships and increase awareness of purpose-driven careers.
“America’s strength has always been forged by people who build, manufacture, and innovate,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “BuildFreedom.US will bridge talent with opportunity to build meaningful careers, ensuring our workforce is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”
The Department of War aims to bolster manufacturing capacity, economic resilience, and long-term national security through the initiative.
