TL;DR
- General Motors has launched “Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades,” a new nationwide initiative designed to help transitioning service members, veterans and their families pursue careers in automotive manufacturing and skilled trades.
- GM plans to award $100,000 to $500,000 grants to as many as 12 nonprofit workforce development programs across the United States.
- Priority will be given to programs offering job-placement pathways, industry-recognized credentials, strong employer partnerships and connections to GM facility communities.
- GM already employs more than 5,000 veterans in a wide range of positions.
- The initiative builds on GM's existing veteran workforce programs, including Shifting Gears, which has provided automotive training and job placement opportunities to more than 1,000 transitioning service members.
- In 2026, GM also committed $50 million toward STEAM education and increased its workforce development grantmaking to $15 million.
- The initiative is designed to help address the growing demand for skilled manufacturing and trades workers while creating new career opportunities for veterans and military families.
- Nonprofits can submit proposals for the program through September 30, 2026, with selected organizations expected to be announced later this fall.
GM Creates New Pathways From Military Service to Automotive Careers
Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can present significant challenges, particularly when it comes to translating military experience into qualifications that employers recognize.
At the same time, the automotive industry and American manufacturing continue to need skilled workers across a wide range of technical and skilled-trade positions.
General Motors is looking to address both challenges with its new “Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades” initiative.
The nationwide program invites mission-driven nonprofit organizations to propose workforce development programs designed to help transitioning service members, veterans and their families pursue careers in automotive manufacturing and the skilled trades.
For GM, the goal is straightforward: connect people with valuable skills and experience to industries where those skills are in demand.
“By connecting this incredible talent with high-demand careers, we are expanding the pipeline that will power the future of American manufacturing,” said General Motors Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship David Massaron.
Grants of Up to $500,000 Available to Workforce Programs
GM plans to support as many as 12 nonprofit workforce programs through the initiative.
Selected organizations will receive grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to expand or strengthen their workforce development efforts.
GM says it is particularly interested in organizations that can demonstrate:
- Clear pathways to employment
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Strong relationships with employers
- Effective workforce training programs
- Relevance to communities where GM operates facilities
The approach is intended to support programs that can move participants beyond training and toward actual employment opportunities in manufacturing and skilled trades.
Why Skilled Trades Matter to the Automotive Industry
Today's automotive industry relies on a wide range of technical and skilled professionals.
Manufacturing facilities require workers with expertise in areas such as equipment maintenance, electrical systems, machining, production and other technical disciplines. As automotive technology continues to evolve, the skills required to build and maintain vehicles are evolving as well.
That makes workforce development increasingly important—not only for individual workers looking for career opportunities, but also for the future of American manufacturing.
GM's Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades initiative is designed to help strengthen that talent pipeline while providing veterans with opportunities to build civilian careers.
GM Already Employs More Than 5,000 Veterans
The new initiative builds on GM's longstanding efforts to support members of the military community.
GM currently employs upwards of 5,000 veterans across a variety of positions.
Veterans can bring valuable experience to manufacturing and skilled-trade careers, including technical training, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and experience working in highly structured environments.
Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades aims to create additional pathways for service members and their families who are preparing for life and employment after active duty.
Building on GM's Shifting Gears Program
Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades isn't GM's first effort to connect veterans with automotive careers.
The company also supports Shifting Gears, an automotive technician training program that has provided automotive training and job placement opportunities to more than 1,000 service members transitioning out of active duty.
Programs like Shifting Gears demonstrate how automotive training can provide a bridge between military service and civilian employment.
The new initiative expands that concept by supporting nonprofit organizations working to create additional pathways into manufacturing and skilled trades across the country.
GM Invests in the Future of the Workforce
Veteran workforce development is part of a larger GM investment in education and career preparation.
In 2026, GM committed $50 million toward STEAM education and increased its workforce development grantmaking to $15 million.
Together, these investments represent a growing effort to expand access to career opportunities, modernize skilled-trade careers and strengthen the talent pipeline in communities across the United States.
For GM, workforce development isn't simply about filling today's jobs. It's also about preparing workers for the technologies, manufacturing processes and careers that will shape the future of the automotive industry.
What This Means for the Future of American Manufacturing
The automotive industry is undergoing significant technological change, creating new opportunities for people with technical and specialized skills.
GM's investment in veteran workforce development recognizes that transitioning service members and veterans represent an important potential source of skilled talent.
By helping nonprofit organizations provide training, credentials, employer connections and job-placement pathways, the Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades initiative aims to make the transition into civilian automotive careers more accessible.
For communities with automotive manufacturing and skilled-trade employers, that can mean a stronger workforce and more opportunities for local residents.
Orange Buick & GMC Supports GM's Commitment to Communities
As a GM dealership serving drivers in Orange, Florida, and the surrounding Central Florida communities, Orange Buick & GMC is proud to share news about GM initiatives that support American workers, veterans and the future of the automotive industry.
From the people who design and manufacture GM vehicles to the technicians who service them and the dealership teams who help customers find the right vehicle, the automotive industry depends on skilled people at every stage.
GM's Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades initiative is another example of the company investing in the people and communities that help keep that industry moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About GM's Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades Initiative
What is GM's Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades initiative?
Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades is a General Motors workforce development initiative designed to help transitioning service members, veterans and their families pursue careers in automotive manufacturing and skilled trades.
How much funding is available through the program?
GM plans to award grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to selected nonprofit workforce development programs.
How many organizations will GM support?
GM plans to support up to 12 nonprofit workforce programs through the initiative.
What types of nonprofits is GM looking for?
GM is prioritizing organizations that demonstrate job-placement pathways, industry-recognized credentials, strong employer partnerships and relevance to GM facility communities.
How many veterans currently work for General Motors?
GM employs more than 5,000 veterans across a variety of roles.
What is GM's Shifting Gears program?
Shifting Gears is an automotive technician training program that provides automotive training and job-placement opportunities to service members transitioning out of active duty. The program has helped more than 1,000 service members.
Why is GM investing in skilled-trades workforce development?
The initiative is intended to address the need for skilled manufacturing and trades workers while helping veterans and transitioning service members find careers that make use of their skills and experience.
How much is GM investing in workforce development in 2026?
In 2026, GM committed $50 million to STEAM education and increased its workforce development grantmaking to $15 million.
When is the application deadline for Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades?
The Request for Proposals is open from August 21 through September 30, 2026. Winning proposals are expected to be announced later in the fall.
Where can nonprofits apply for the GM program?
Eligible nonprofits can find application information through GM's Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades initiative.
How does this initiative benefit veterans?
The program is designed to connect veterans and transitioning service members with training, industry-recognized credentials, employer relationships and pathways to high-demand careers in automotive manufacturing and skilled trades.