U.S. Government's Defense Industrial Base Announces Expansion of BuildFreedom.US

Federal workforce initiative promoting skilled-trades careers enters next phase, expanding to Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin

DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BuildFreedom.US, a program funded by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy, today announced the next phase of its national campaign promoting careers in the skilled trades. After a successful launch earlier this year, BuildFreedom.US is expanding into Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with more states to follow as the campaign grows nationwide.

The Department of War recognizes the urgent need to close the skills gap and strengthen America's defense manufacturing and industrial base. BuildFreedom.US connects people with opportunities to develop in-demand skills, earn competitive wages, and contribute to national security. For young Americans interested in pursuing skilled-trade careers, BuildFreedom.US is a way to find scholarships, apprenticeships, training opportunities, and job openings.

"Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin represent a natural next phase in BuildFreedom.US's national expansion. These states are home to industries critical to America's defense industrial base and our national security," said Dr. Kristin Schaaf, Director of the Investment Programs, which includes the IBAS Program. "Building the next generation of American workers isn't just about creating good-paying careers – it's about strengthening our communities, supporting American industry, and ensuring that our nation has the skilled workforce it needs to remain strong and competitive."

Each state presents distinct opportunities for strengthening its skilled workforce:

• Ohio is a leading manufacturing hub, with a strong aerospace and defense industrial presence driving demand for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, production, and related technical careers.
• Illinois has a deep manufacturing base that supports the nation's defense industrial supply chain, creating opportunities for the next generation of workers across advanced manufacturing, precision production, technology, and other high-skill fields.
• Wisconsin is home to a significant defense industrial base supporting military shipbuilding, vehicles, engines, welding, and other critical defense systems. Its aging workforce and critical labor shortage underscore the urgency of attracting, training, and retaining the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

BuildFreedom.US is joining forces with Mike Rowe, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and best known as the creator and host of the hit show Dirty Jobs. For nearly two decades, Rowe has been America's leading advocate for skilled-trade careers. As part of the collaboration, BuildFreedom.US awarded the mikeroweWORKS Foundation a $10 million grant to support its Work Ethic Scholarship Program. Rowe will continue supporting BuildFreedom.US in its next phase.

"It's a privilege to participate in such an important effort," said Rowe. "Reinvigorating the skilled trades is now a matter of national security, and I'm proud to help make a more persuasive case for the excellent opportunities currently available in the defense industrial base. It's also very gratifying to see BuildFreedom.US expand so quickly. Hopefully, our message will soon resonate in all 50 states."

Dallas-based independent advertising agency TRG is leading BuildFreedom.US's marketing efforts, including brand development, creative, and media strategy.

To learn more, visit BuildFreedom.US and view the videos here and here.

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SOURCE BuildFreedom.US