- Seventy organizations across the U.S. and Europe focused on skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople were selected;
- Funding will support training in a variety of disciplines including concrete, mechanical, finishing and pipe trades
- DEWALT grant recipients include mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Helmets to Hardhats, National Center for Construction Education and Research, and Women Who Weld
TOWSON, Md., April 1, 2024 – DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, today announced the recipients of its Grow the Trades Grant program, a $30 million commitment over five years to support organizations that are skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople. DEWALT is dedicated to closing the skilled trades gap by helping provide greater accessibility and resources for trades training to empower the pros of the future.
“In the U.S., the construction industry alone faces a gap of 500,000 workers1,” said Frank Mannarino, President, Power Tools Group, Stanley Black & Decker. “We congratulate and thank our grant recipients who are helping to fill critical roles in the industry and closing the trades gap. Together, we are providing a pathway for tradespeople to build a long-term and fulfilling career in the trades.”
This year, 70 organizations will receive a combined $3.3 million to fund training in concrete, mechanical, finishing and pipe trades, among others. Winners span 19 states, the District of Columbia, and Europe with funds supporting those seeking careers in the trades including transitioning military, women, and those in underserved communities. Recipients were selected via a competitive application process based on their trades-focused initiatives providing certifications and credentials to skill tradespeople.
2023 Recipient Spotlights
mikeroweWORKS Foundation
The mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s Work Ethic Scholarship Program helps people train for skilled jobs that are in demand and begin viable careers in the trades. This year, they are giving away another $1 million in scholarships for students in trade schools with funding from the DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant and other partners.
Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) connects transitioning active-duty military service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. This grant will assist with the procurement of sophisticated software needed to improve veteran engagement, increase visibility, and lay the foundation for case management development. With the support of DEWALT, H2H will be able to seamlessly connect 15,000 veteran career seekers to apprenticeship programs.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) High School Builder Program
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) High School Builder Program provides a pathway for students to learn that will make them immediately employable in the construction industry. When 500 schools are funded, the High School Builder Program is set to add 10,000 students from across the country into the talent pipeline. DEWALT is a proud supporter of this program to help local schools work with students to gain credentialing, direct employment and training including safety and proper use of hand and power tools.
Women Who Weld
Women Who Weld® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that teaches women how to weld and find employment in the welding industry. Women Who Weld offers intensive and introductory welding training programs and trains over 100 participants per year.
This grant will support their week-long intensive welding training class which serves up to 40 women annually who are preparing for full-time jobs or apprenticeships in welding.
The DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant program will reopen for applications in May 2024.
To learn more about this year’s recipients and submission for the upcoming application period, please visit DEWALT Grow the Trades.
About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, celebrates 100 years in business by continuing to provide our customers with total jobsite and landscaping solutions. By applying its latest technology to the challenges of today’s skilled trades, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future and pioneering the next generation of tools, outdoor equipment and forward-looking technologies. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH®. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Stanley Black & Decker
Headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The company's more than 50,000 diverse and high-performing employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world’s builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com.
Media Contact:
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Phone: 251-404-4362
Laura.prugh@sbdinc.com
1 “ABC: 2024 Construction Workforce Shortage Tops Half a Million,” Associated Builders and Contractors. https://www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/abc-2024-construction-workforce-shortage-tops-half-a-million