The skilled labor shortage is so bad that now big-box retailers are trying to close the gap.
Home Depot recently announced a $50 million commitment to training 20,000 tradespeople over the next 10 years.
In 2017, the Home Depot Foundation launched a pilot trades training program for military members transitioning to civilian life. The initiative is a partnership between the Home Depot and the Home Builders Institute. The 12-week pre-apprenticeship certification program is provided at no cost to students on Ft. Stewart and Ft. Bragg. The first set of students are expected to graduate this month.
The program will be available at additional bases across the United States.
“HBI has a 50-year history of training individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the building industry. Our program prepares men and women for high-growth careers in the industry after leaving military service,” HBI CEO John Courson said in a press release. “With 200,000 service members separating from the military every year, our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation enables us to serve more veterans across the country.”
The Home Depot Foundation is also establishing a training program in partnership with the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) for residents of Atlanta’s Westside community.
Over the next 10 years, the Foundation will expand training to include the broader veteran community as well as underserved high schools across the United States.
Lowe's is embarking in a similar project of its own. Earlier this month, the retailer rolled out Track to the Trades, which offers its employees in Charlotte, Denver, Pittsburgh and Richmond $2,500 in tuition to learn skills in carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and appliance repair.
The company said it plans to expand the program to qualified employees nationwide by the end of the year.
