Rebuilding America's Workforce for Geopolitical Competition

This document is a report that outlines the critical workforce challenges facing the United States in the context of national security and geopolitical competition. It describes how the current talent shortage poses a significant risk to defense production, semiconductor manufacturing, and technological leadership. The report emphasizes the need for the U.S. to modernize its workforce training ecosystem through expanded apprenticeships and stronger public-private partnerships. It details specific federal and state policy recommendations aimed at building robust talent pipelines and connecting learners with in-demand careers. The report highlights that the U.S. is losing its competitive edge in skills development compared to nations like China, which invests heavily in STEM education. Additionally, it presents projected workforce shortages in key sectors such as cybersecurity, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing, underscoring the urgency of addressing these gaps to maintain national resilience and economic growth.