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The Post-Election Outlook for U.S. Industries and Recruitment
13 Nov, 20245 Minutes
With the U.S. election over and Donald Trump declared the next President of the United States, many people are wondering what the future of the job market holds and what impact the change in government will have on a range of industries. For businesses in sectors such as renewable energy, construction, and agriculture, the outcome could present a range of opportunities and challenges that change the landscape of the talent market for years to come.
The Republican Party focuses primarily on economic initiatives designed to boost production within the U.S. and industrial independence. Their policies focus on:
- Reviving manufacturing
- Promoting energy independence
- Limiting immigration
- Undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects
They will aim to use these initiatives to strengthen their ‘America First’ agenda, which encourages companies to invest more in local operations rather than relying on imports and talent from overseas.
Explore our latest recruitment trends insights with our 'US Industry Showdown.’ This interactive map looks at which sectors are thriving across the US, how regional trends impact industries, and the top skills and roles most in demand.
U.S. Job Market Forecast
The change of government will likely have various impacts on the job market, one of them being an increase in manufacturing within the United States. The Republican Party plans to increase tariffs on foreign goods to make this happen, so we should see the demand for skilled manufacturing and production talent rise. While this will create new job opportunities, it may also lead to higher costs for goods, which could affect industries that are reliant on imported materials, such as data centers and life sciences.
When it comes to sourcing talent, Trump’s stricter immigration policies may lead to a reduced workforce in sectors where candidates are commonly hired from overseas, such as agriculture and construction. This may restrict talent pools in certain areas as fewer diverse applicants may be available. Wages may rise in some roles, and there could be labor shortages that impact the growth of some organizations. It is therefore crucial that businesses anticipate these changes and assess their hiring processes.hiring processes.
How Republican Energy Policies Will Impact Oil, Gas, and Renewables
Energy industries are likely to be the most impacted by the Republican Party’s victory. One of their main initiatives focuses on using more traditional energy sources such as oil, gas, and coal. Trump has pledged to relax regulations on these industries, which will make it easier for companies to drill and mine across the country. This is likely to create job opportunities in oil and gas production, as well as in coal mining.
However, the Republicans’ push for fossil fuels could have a negative impact on the renewable energy industry. Clean energy incentives that were introduced by the Democratic Party will likely be reduced or even eliminated, which could make it difficult for solar, wind, and other renewable industries to continue their recent level of growth. Funding will be more limited under the Republican government, potentially creating challenges in expansion and recruitment. This will make it crucial for businesses within the sector to focus on efficiency and find ways to continue growing with less federal funding.
Mining, Minerals, and Battery Materials Opportunities Post-Election
The Republicans’ ‘America First’ trade policies are designed to reduce the need for foreign resources by encouraging mining and mineral extraction within the country. By increasing tariffs on imported minerals and metals, the policies aim to improve mineral extraction in the U.S. and drive investment back to America. This is likely to create opportunities in the mining, metals, and minerals sector as domestic production increases. For companies in the battery materials industry, these policies are particularly beneficial, as electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage continue to keep demand high for these resources.
From a recruitment perspective, the demand for talent in these industries is likely to increase as companies look to benefit from new opportunities and incentives for local production. In battery materials, the global lithium market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% through to 2030, according to McKinsey & Company. This will increase the demand for skilled professionals across roles in extraction, engineering, and sustainable mineral processing.
Job Growth in Construction, Building Materials, and Civil Engineering
Trump’s infrastructure plans propose significant investment in the nation’s highways, bridges, and airports, which should create strong growth opportunities across the construction and civil engineering sectors. As well as increasing the need for building materials and equipment, these initiatives will create demand for skilled talent across a variety of roles that are crucial to the planning and execution of these projects. The latest estimation by the American Society of Civil Engineers discovered that the total infrastructure investment gap to 2029 is $2.59 trillion, which shows how extensive these projects need to be.
A skilled workforce will be needed to support these projects, and companies will require a wide range of expertise to ensure that the developments are completed quickly and to a high standard. For businesses in the construction and engineering sectors, recruiting skilled professionals in roles such as project managers and civil engineers will be crucial to meeting the increased demand.
How Immigration Policies Will Affect Agriculture and Water Resources
With immigration restrictions expected to be introduced, the labor supply in the sector might be significantly impacted, as more than 25% of agriculture workers are immigrants, according to CMS. This could lead to a major talent shortage in key agricultural roles, potentially increasing wages and making recruitment more difficult for companies. It could also be difficult to attract talent within the U.S. to fill physically demanding roles. However, the damage may be reduced by the continuing development of automation and technology in agriculture, as talent requirements shift towards individuals with IT and data center skillsets.
Trump’s infrastructure initiatives could positively impact water resource management by creating opportunities in water infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. According to WaterWorld, the cost of repairs and upgrades is expected to exceed $430 billion by 2029, meaning a lot of further investment and a larger workforce is needed. This is likely to create openings in roles such as project managers and engineers. However, there is uncertainty about whether these investments will benefit sustainable water practices, which are important because of ongoing droughts and climate change impacts. ongoing droughts and climate change impacts.
New Policies Could Change Manufacturing and Hiring in Life Sciences and Medical Devices
The medical devices and life sciences sectors could experience both positive and negative impact as a result of the change of government. While Trump’s policies encourage production within the U.S. and less reliance on foreign manufacturing, the restrictions on international trade and changes in research and development (R&D) funding could present challenges for companies that rely on global supply chains.
To stay competitive and compliant, companies in these fields will need to source top American talent in R&D and manufacturing. Deloitte estimates that the U.S. medical device market makes up approximately 43% of the global market, so it’s crucial that businesses secure the skilled professionals needed to adapt to evolving regulations and supply chain demands.
Increased Demand for Specialized Talent in Aerospace and Defense
The aerospace and defense industry should see investment under the new government, with potential increases in defense funding as part of the Republican’s ‘America First’ approach. Historically, Trump has advocated for strengthening the nation’s military and increasing domestic manufacturing for defense equipment and technology. This could lead to increased funding for aerospace innovation and defense infrastructure both of which would provide a significant boost to companies within these sectors.
Because of this, the demand for skilled engineers and technicians within aerospace and defense could rise, particularly in roles that support R&D and manufacturing of defense technology. Companies in the sector will need a workforce skilled in meeting government standards, innovating within secure environments, and advancing technology in fields like aviation and missile defense.
Navigating Post-Election Recruitment Challenges
With a wide range of industries across the U.S. preparing for the effects of the Republicans’ policy shifts, having the right talent in place will be essential for companies to adapt and thrive. Trump’s proposed initiatives highlight the importance of a skilled, adaptable workforce that can respond to new regulations and industry demands.
At CSG Talent, we have teams of expert consultants in a wide range of different sectors who understand the unique needs of each industry and provide recruitment solutions in the changing political environment. Whether your company is navigating regulation changes or aiming meet new demands, our recruitment specialists can help you source the skilled talent you need to succeed.
