The Lowe’s Foundation launched the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, which has a goal to help train and develop 1m people for trades careers by 2035.
This is the largest cross-sector trades coalition in US history, which will be supported by over 75 American educators, businesses, workforce organizations, and industry vendors.
Some of the businesses involved include major companies including NVIDIA, AT&T, Bank of America, Carrier, General Motors, DEWALT, and Duke Energy.
This initiative comes as the US is experiencing a labor shortage as a significant number of workers have retired and infrastructure investments continue to grow.
The newly implemented coalition builds on the success of the Lowe’s foundation in creating employment solutions. The home retailer’s Gables Grants program helped launch innovative skilled trades training schemes across 30 states.
The members of the coalition will collaborate to promote positive portrayal of trade jobs, invest in training initiatives, and record progress from the learning schemes to employment.
This new program will bring together educators, businesses, workforce organizations, and stakeholders to deal with the current workforce challenges.
Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO said: “The next industrial revolution won’t be built by algorithms alone. It will be built by the millions of skilled trade professionals who power, connect, and move this country forward.
“Today through this coalition, we are answering the call from hundreds of existing partners to lead an even larger unified national effort that will redefine what’s possible when leaders from different sectors rally behind a common purpose.”
AT&T Chairman and CEO John Stankey added: “As the largest union employer in our industry, we have a firsthand view of the opportunities these jobs create for individuals, families, and communities. We’re proud to join this coalition to help more people prepare for and pursue the good-paying, rewarding careers that will power America’s connected future.”
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