Ford’s CEO warned of a national shortage in skilled trades—reporting 5,000 unfilled mechanic roles—and called for greater investment in trade training and vocational pathways. Auto industry shortages mirror broader deficits in manufacturing, trucking and construction that higher‑education systems and community colleges must help address. Across the Atlantic, a UK investment minister floated universal basic income as a policy lever to soften displacement from automation and AI and to support reskilling. The proposal dovetails with calls for lifelong learning and employer contributions to fund workforce transitions. Universities and community‑college systems face immediate enrollment and program-design implications: timed expansion of trade programs, credential stacking, apprenticeships and stronger employer partnerships could be required to close regional skills gaps.