Through its Lowe’s Foundation, Lowe’s has made nearly $9 million in Gable Grants to strengthen 15 nonprofits that are helping to prepare new tradespeople for the construction, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and appliance repair fields. The Foundation has awarded over $34 million since its founding in 2023. The next application period, for community and technical colleges, runs through March 31, 2025.
“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,” said Janice Dupré, EVP of Human Resources at Lowe’s and Chair of the Lowe’s Foundation in a statement. “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.”
Among the grant recipients are:
- Alaska Works will expand its free, hands-on construction training program in Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Mat-Su region;
- Latino Academy of Workforce Development in Madison, Wis. will support students through a bilingual skilled trades program featuring industry-recognized safety certifications, blueprint reading, financial education and more;
- Nontraditional Employment for Women in New York plans to recruit and train more than 300 individuals annually for building and construction trades careers; and
- Trade Institute of Pittsburgh will increase the capacity of its 10-week, tuition-free masonry and carpentry training program by 25% while exploring expansion beyond Pittsburgh. The grant will also support new instructors and case managers to help remove barriers to employment through holistic services like life coaching and therapy.
“We are grateful for the support of the Lowe’s Foundation and their Gable Grants that will help fund the training of the next generation of skilled trade professionals,” said Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders in a statement. “All of these deserving grant recipients play a pivotal role in helping to strengthen the residential construction workforce.”
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