The United States is in the midst of an unprecedented labor shortage as a significant number of workers retire and infrastructure investments grow. An estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030, according to the Department of Education, creating potential economic losses of up to $1 trillion annually.
The Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition draws on the proven track record of the Lowe's Foundation to scale tangible solutions. Its Gable Grants program, which launched in 2023, outpaced initial performance metrics and is now an ecosystem of 73 community colleges and nonprofits scaling innovative skilled trades training programs across 30 states. Outcomes of the program led the foundation to recently expand its mission to train and develop 250,000 tradespeople by 2035 through a $250 million investment.
"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," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "For nearly four years, our foundation's sole focus has been helping thousands of people enter the skilled trades by investing in America's most innovative workforce training programs. 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."
Recognizing that workforce challenges extend across industries, the coalition will strengthen every stage of the talent pipeline, from recruitment to career advancement. Members will work together to shape the future of the skilled trades workforce and collectively amplify their impact with three primary goals:
- Change the perception of careers in the skilled trades by challenging outdated narratives that position college as the default path to success. Through storytelling and greater awareness of the respected, purpose-driven and rewarding careers the trades offer, the coalition will elevate the craftsmanship and pride that define professions and help more people see the skilled trades as an equal path to a successful future.
- Invest, connect and scale proven training and credentialing solutions by bringing together educators, businesses, workforce organizations, corporate leaders, industry vendors and other stakeholders to address shared workforce challenges and expand what works. Through case studies, pilot programs, playbooks and shared approaches informed by labor market insights and employer needs, the coalition will accelerate peer learning and help more organizations adopt and scale proven solutions for preparing qualified skilled trades talent without starting from scratch.
- Collectively measure progress from training to employment by establishing shared measures that help the coalition understand what's working, identify gaps and track outcomes across the workforce ecosystem. Across construction, automotive manufacturing, telecommunications, energy industry, HVAC, technology and financial services, the coalition will use these insights to strengthen connections between training providers and employers, improve pathways to in-demand jobs and help more people translate their training and credentials into meaningful, long-term careers.
"As AI and other emerging technologies become more deeply embedded in everyday life, the resilient broadband networks that underpin them will be more important than ever — and those networks can't be built or maintained without skilled workers," said AT&T Chairman and CEO John Stankey. "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."
"We are helping create opportunities for more skilled trades careers to build the talent needed to strengthen local economies and help drive American prosperity and competitiveness," said Brian Moynihan, chair and chief executive officer of Bank of America.
"Skilled trades professionals keep our world running. Carrier is committed to helping develop the workforce needed for the future through training, education and partnerships," said David Gitlin, chairman and CEO of Carrier. "We are proud to join the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition and support its efforts to strengthen America's skilled trades workforce."
"America's future depends on a strong pipeline of skilled workers, and no single company can meet that need alone," said Harry Sideris, president and CEO of Duke Energy. "By working together across industries, we can create more pathways into rewarding careers, strengthen our communities and build the workforce needed to support the nation's growing infrastructure and energy needs."
In addition to the seven corporate leaders, a cross-sector group of over 75 educators, businesses, workforce organizations, industry vendors and stakeholders have joined the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), SkillsUSA and Carhartt.
"NAHB is proud to be a founding member of the Building Futures Skilled Trades coalition," said Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. "A skilled, capable workforce is critical to meeting our nation's housing needs. Our collective commitment to invest in the next generation of skilled trade professionals will help strengthen the workforce pipeline, transform lives and build communities."
Additional coalition members, commitments and progress updates will be announced as the coalition begins broader implementation. To learn more, join the movement or follow the coalition's progress, visit LowesFoundation.org/coalition or contact [email protected].
About the Lowe's Foundation
The Lowe's Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lowe's, is solving the critical skilled trades labor shortage and helping fulfill dreams for the next generation of Pros. To learn more about the Lowe's Foundation, visit LowesFoundation.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. To explore more about the Lowe's Foundation's work, sign up here for its quarterly newsletter.
Media Contact
Steve Salazar
Lowe's
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SOURCE Lowe’s Foundation
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