Zooming In on Alabama’s Workforce Edge

America's economic strength and security depend on having skilled workers to power its most critical industries. The country faces a projected shortfall of 3.8 million manufacturing workers by 2033, with half of those jobs at risk of going unfilled.

Alabama is poised to answer this call. With its deep roots in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, the state is uniquely positioned to develop the workforce and supplier base that America needs.

A new paper from JPMorganChase, "Fueling America's Future: Alabama's Workforce Edge," examines how Alabama can build on its record economic momentum to expand opportunity.

The brief highlights Alabama's recent economic gains: $14.6 billion in capital investment and nearly 9,400 new job commitments in 2025 alone, 108,000 regional manufacturing jobs in Huntsville — more than double the national average — and an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, among the lowest in the nation. It outlines three areas of focus for near-term impact: expanding employer talent collaboratives, growing apprenticeships and work-based learning, and connecting skills to opportunity for workers including veterans.

Read the full brief here

The paper coincided with an event in Huntsville that brought together more than 100 local business leaders, policymakers and workforce experts to discuss how public and private collaboration can tackle workforce shortages in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Hosted by Axios in partnership with JPMorganChase, the event was part of our Zoom In series that spotlights local issues and brings together stakeholders to identify and drive forward solutions.

Axios defense reporter Colin Demarest and Huntsville reporter Derek Lacey moderated one-on-one conversations focused on the theme of “Unlocking Alabama’s Talent Potential” with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space; Megan Wilson Green, Vice President of Government Relations at Blue Origin; and Brian Lamb, Head of Specialized Industries and Co-Head of Impact Banking & Advisory at J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking.

Lamb highlighted how the firm is growing its footprint across the state and working with local organizations to help more people in Alabama prepare for jobs in high-growth industries critical to America’s future. The firm’s American Dream Initiative and Security and Resiliency Initiative will help catalyze these efforts.

"You know a lot of the momentum happening right here in Huntsville and across this great state — how can we make a difference to go faster, to accelerate some of the really interesting things happening at a really hyper local level?" he said. "The takeaway for all of us is, Alabama's already got a lot of great things happening. It's less about help and it's more about accelerating and amplifying those good things, and closing some of the gaps that are in place."

As highlighted in Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon’s annual letter, JPMorganChase has supported clients and local institutions across Alabama for more than 50 years, and today serves about 30,000 small businesses in the state. Working hand-in-hand with local partners, the firm is deepening our efforts to help more people secure good jobs, start and grow their businesses, and save for the future. The state is a focus for our new American Dream Initiative — an effort to accelerate and scale proven local solutions that expand economic opportunity.