Why aren't enough rural Americans getting jobs in warehouses and construction?

>The shortages are twofold. In rural regions, unfilled roles in construction, health care, transportation, and warehousing make up nearly one in four postings, threatening to stall the very projects driving America’s growth. At the same time, the AI economy is opening new doors: more than 15% of IT and computer science postings are remote, proving that millions of high-value digital jobs can be done from anywhere. Together, these realities point to a future where America’s workforce must be both locally rooted and digitally connected.

Mike Rowe, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, told me:

“The future of AI demands that we reinvigorate the skilled trades – immediately – and close America’s skills gap. If we can’t build it, wire it, and maintain it, we can’t have it.”

He also reminded the audience in Pennsylvania:

“We took shop class out of high school and convinced a whole generation they needed a four-year degree to succeed no matter the cost. That was a big mistake. Welding, plumbing, and electrical work aren’t just viable—they’re vital. And the shortages in those fields are acute.”
https://fortune.com/2025/08/21/rural-america-jobs-not-enough-workers-ai-mike-rowe-lightcast/