Mike Rowe Works Foundation
What happened to American manufacturing jobs and how has the textile industry been impacted?
According to Mike Rowe, American manufacturing jobs have significantly declined, with the textile industry particularly hard hit. In 1979, 70% of clothing worn by Americans was made domestically, but today that figure has plummeted to less than 2%. This dramatic shift represents part of the broader manufacturing decline that has affected numerous industries across the country. Despite these challenges, Rowe highlights inspirational stories of American companies committed to domestic manufacturing. He regularly features businesses like American Giant, Goruck, and Montana Knife Company that have made the commitment to produce in the USA, despite facing numerous obstacles. These companies persevere even though the playing field often feels unfair to domestic manufacturers.
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Fox News
00:22 - 01:42
What has happened to US manufacturing jobs since 1979, and what efforts is Mike Rowe making to address this decline?
US manufacturing jobs have dramatically declined from their peak of 19.5 million in 1979 to approximately 12.7 million today, representing a significant loss in this sector. Mike Rowe, CEO of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, is addressing this decline by focusing on teaching people practical skills and vocational training. Rowe's foundation promotes skills development through initiatives like Work Ethic scholarships, which provide $2.5 million in funding for training in various trades. His work emphasizes how skills training can lead to financial security and job stability in trades that cannot be outsourced, helping individuals like plumber Sean Kelly find success through vocational education.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)Fox News
00:03 - 00:22
How has the American textile industry changed since 1979?
In 1979, 70% of the clothing worn by Americans was made domestically by American workers. Today, that figure has dramatically declined to less than 2%. This represents one of the most significant shifts in U.S. manufacturing over the past several decades. This change is part of what Mike Rowe describes as the "giant sucking sound" that Ross Perot once warned about - the massive outsourcing of American manufacturing jobs. The textile industry appears to be at the forefront of this trend, but Rowe notes that this decline has "impacted virtually everything" in American manufacturing.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)Fox News
00:36 - 01:01
How does working in the trades benefit individuals and their families?
Working in the trades offers dual benefits of financial security and steady employment. As Sean Kelly, a plumber and Mike Rowe Works Foundation beneficiary explains, skilled trade jobs provide stable income to support families while also offering job security that can't be outsourced overseas. These practical skills create resilient career paths in an evolving economy. The trades represent reliable employment opportunities that remain in demand regardless of economic fluctuations, ensuring that skilled tradespeople will "never want for work" while maintaining the ability to provide for their families.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)Fox News
01:53 - 02:17
What is the Mike Rowe Works Foundation offering to support skilled trades education?
The Mike Rowe Works Foundation is currently offering $2.5 million in Work Ethic scholarships this month for training in skilled trades. These scholarships specifically target education for the nearly 8 million jobs in America that don't require four-year degrees but do require specialized training. Unlike traditional scholarships for academic degrees, the Work Ethic scholarships focus on developing practical skills for careers in trades like plumbing, electrical work, and welding. Interested individuals can apply through microworks.org to access these opportunities that provide pathways to financially stable careers with significant demand.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)
Fox News
02:39 - 03:02
What has happened to American textile manufacturing since 1979?
Since 1979, American textile manufacturing has experienced a dramatic decline. At its peak, 70% of clothing worn by Americans was made domestically, but today that figure has plummeted to less than 2%. Mike Rowe describes this industry as being on the leading edge of the manufacturing exodus that Ross Perot once warned about. This steep drop represents a broader trend that has impacted virtually all manufacturing sectors in the United States. The textile industry serves as a powerful example of how American manufacturing capabilities have been hollowed out over the past four decades, fundamentally changing the economic landscape.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)Fox News
00:36 - 01:01