Lowe’s Invests Million To Help Boost Future Skilled Trade Workers Nationwide

Quick Smiles:

• Lowe’s is investing millions to support 15 nonprofits focused on training future skilled tradespeople.
• The grants target training in carpentry, construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and appliance repair.
• Organizations from Alaska to Mississippi are preparing new tradespeople for the growing demand in the workforce.

Lowe’s is stepping up to address the shortage of skilled tradespeople by investing $9 million in grants for 15 nonprofits across the United States.

These funds are earmarked for training programs that focus on essential trades like carpentry, construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and appliance repair.

With the demand for skilled workers on the rise, fueled by increasing wages and expanding job opportunities, this initiative comes at a crucial time.

The construction industry has seen average hourly earnings increase by 4.4% over the past year.

Janice Dupré, a Lowe’s executive vice president and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“We listen closely to contractors and know that many candidates don’t have the necessary skills to fill the wide range of open trades positions.”

She added,
“Through modern training methods, these nonprofits are unlocking the workforce’s potential while building an economy that rewards skills, not just titles or four-year degrees.”

One of the beneficiaries, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, plans to enhance job readiness programs for youth aged 16-24 in Hobe Sound, Florida, Madison, Wisconsin, and Seattle.

Jennifer Bateman, Senior Vice President of Youth Development from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, highlighted the impact of this funding:
“This funding will directly bolster their efforts to equip young people with the skills needed to enter the workforce, particularly in the skilled trades. It’s an investment in their future and the future of our community.”

The grants are recognized as playing a pivotal role in helping to strengthen the residential construction workforce.

Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants have invested over $34 million, supporting scalable training programs in numerous states.

Other nonprofits benefiting from the grants include ReBuild Detroit, the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, Uncommon Construction in New Orleans, and Hope Renovations in Raleigh-Durham, NC, among others.

These organizations are poised to make a significant difference in their communities, preparing individuals for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Sharing these opportunities on social media can help pass the torch to youth looking for promising career paths.

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