The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) launched TalentForce, a workforce development organization created to address workforce shortages across corrosion and materials protection sectors.

The organization said corrosion-related degradation continues to impact infrastructure, including bridges, pipelines and power networks, while the available skilled workforce is declining. AMPP cited retirements, fewer new entrants and increasing skill requirements as contributing factors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States could face a shortfall of 1.7 million infrastructure workers by 2031. AMPP said more than 70% of employers in corrosion-intensive sectors already report skills gaps.

TalentForce will focus on increasing industry awareness, expanding apprenticeship and training programs and strengthening collaboration among employers, educators and workforce organizations. The initiative also aims to support upskilling and reskilling as technologies and standards evolve.

“The science of corrosion control and materials protection has never been stronger,” said Alan Thomas, chairman of TalentForce and CEO of AMPP. “But corrosion is no longer the industry’s only enemy: The workforce shortage is the greatest threat in the future. We know what’s coming and we know what it takes to fix it. TalentForce is how we act now—before workforce gaps become infrastructure crises.”

AMPP said TalentForce programs will align with its standards and credentialing frameworks to support workforce readiness.

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