Lowe’s Foundation Unveils Largest Coalition for Skilled Trades, Partnering with NVIDIA, AT&T, Bank of America, Carrier, General Motors, DEWALT, and Duke Energy to Train and Develop 1 Million Workers for the U.S. Workforce

Lowe’s Foundation Launches Nationwide Skilled Trades Coalition

Key Highlight:
Lowe’s Foundation has initiated the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, the largest of its kind in the U.S., aiming to train and develop 1 million skilled tradespeople by 2035. The coalition comprises over 75 diverse members, including corporate giants like NVIDIA, AT&T, Bank of America, Carrier, General Motors, DEWALT, and Duke Energy.

Overview of the Coalition:

• Goal: Address the urgent skilled trades labor shortage by fostering collaboration among educators, businesses, and workforce organizations.
• Context: The U.S. faces a significant labor shortage, projected to leave 2.1 million skilled trades jobs unfilled by 2030, potentially costing the economy up to $1 trillion annually.

Coalition Goals:

1. Shift Perceptions:

   • Promote skilled trades as a viable, respected career path alongside traditional college degrees.
   • Utilize storytelling to highlight the rewards and pride associated with skilled trades.

2. Invest and Scale Training:

   • Connect various stakeholders to expand successful training and credentialing solutions.
   • Share insights and best practices to bolster workforce readiness.

3. Collective Measurement:

   • Establish consistent metrics to track progression from training to employment.
   • Enhance connections between training providers and potential employers.

Notable Quotes:

• Marvin Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Lowe’s: “The next industrial revolution will be built by the millions of skilled trade professionals who power this country forward.”
• John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T: “As AI and other emerging technologies advance, skilled workers will be vital for maintaining the necessary infrastructure.”

Key Partners and Members:
The coalition includes significant contributions from various organizations, exemplifying a united effort to address workforce challenges in skilled trades. Notable members are:

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
• The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
• SkillsUSA
• Carhartt

For More Information:
To follow the coalition’s developments or to get involved, visit LowesFoundation.org/coalition or contact the media representative, Steve Salazar at [email protected].

About Lowe’s Foundation:
The Lowe’s Foundation is dedicated to solving the skilled trades labor shortage and empowering the next generation of professionals. Explore more at LowesFoundation.org.