The goal for the program is to train 250,000 people to work in the building trade by the year 2035.
Working through its foundation, the new Lowe’s initiative is building on earlier efforts by the giant retailer to train 50,000 people. The initial investment was for $50 million in 2023 and so far, it has exceeded that goal with nearly $53 million going towards 65 organizations since then.
“Three years ago, we set out to lead an ambitious workforce movement in a pivotal moment – and it’s taken off faster than we imagined,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO and co-champion of the Business Roundtable’s “Skilled Trades for America’ initiative. “American prosperity is at stake, and we are partnering to solve the workforce gap with a growing force of educators, employers and policymakers who understand local needs. No single organization can do this alone.”
The program works in several areas, including: Expanding partnerships with nonprofits and community colleges nationwide; Helping the next generation of professionals find new careers by working with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to enhance its CareerStarter platform; And providing grants to accelerate the adoption of best practices with skilled trades experts and industry leaders.
The Lowe’s Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lowe’s to solve the skilled trades labor shortage and help fulfill dreams for the next generation of Pros.
Image: Lowe’s Foundation
