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:
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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.
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Invest and Scale Training:
- Connect various stakeholders to expand successful training and credentialing solutions.
- Share insights and best practices to bolster workforce readiness.
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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.
