As the U.S. commemorates National Tradesperson Day, there are 500,000 open construction jobs nationwide and between the CHIPS & Science Act, Infrastructure Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, more than 400,000 new employment opportunities will soon be at stake.
As the industry grapples with how to fill these critical roles and close the skilled trades gap, DEWALT is committed to doing its part by offering incentives and training towards a fulfilling career in the trades. The brand is actively engaging the next generation of skilled workers to enhance the talent pipeline.
Frank Mannarino, President and General Manager of DEWALT, recognizes the significant opportunity to cultivate this essential workforce.
Frank Mannarino
President and General Manager, DEWALT
“One of DEWALT’s core missions is to inspire and support aspiring tradespeople as they embark on this rewarding career path.”
“We need to demonstrate to high school students and recent graduates that trade school offers a cost-effective path to a satisfying, fulfilling, and purpose-driven career, often more so than a traditional college education,” Mannarino said.
He highlighted the importance of introducing young people to the value of skilled trades as early as middle school and believes that high schools should actively discuss the diverse career options available to students now and in the future.
“One of DEWALT’s core missions is to inspire and support aspiring tradespeople as they embark on this rewarding career path,” he added. “We are dedicated to guiding the industry on this journey and are fully committed to empowering the next generation of tradespeople with the resources they need to excel.”
Grow The Trades Initiative
To ensure that the vital role of tradespeople continues to thrive, it’s essential to engage younger Americans early by meeting them where they are.
DEWALT’S Grow the Trades Grants were created to help close the skilled labor gap by supporting non-profits that are skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople. This year, 167 organizations across the United States and Canada received a combined $3.9 million to fund training in concrete, electrical, pipe, mechanical, finishing and other skilled trades.
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), a Grow the Trades Grant recipient, is set to add 10,000 students from across the country into the talent pipeline for the construction industry. The mikeroweWORKS Foundation is giving away $1 million in scholarships for students in trade schools with funding from the Grow the Trades Grant and other partners.
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is investing $30 million by 2027 through these grants and other donations and partnerships.
In countless conversations with customers and contractors, Maria Ford, President of Commercial & Industrial at Stanley Black & Decker, consistently hears that attracting and retaining skilled workers is a challenge to productivity on the jobsite.
Maria Ford
President of Commercial & Industrial, Stanley Black & Decker
“Now is the time to equip and educate our future tradespeople as they join this rewarding and growing industry.”
“We have a responsibility to act because our country’s future will increasingly depend on those filling these critical construction jobs,” said Ford. “Now is the time to equip and educate our future tradespeople as they join this rewarding and growing industry.”
DEWALT is connecting students to these construction jobs through its annual scholarship program that provides financial assistance to those pursuing a trade degree or certificate. To date, DEWALT has awarded more than $850,000 in scholarships across the United States and Canada to support trades education.
Moving forward
Whether it’s vocational schools, corporate initiatives or grant programs, taking a holistic approach to supporting and inspiring new tradespeople is critical to attracting talent. For its part, DEWALT will continue working to usher in the next generation of trade professionals while building on its legacy.
“Growing the trades is more than a commitment for us, it’s our passion,” Mannarino said. “It’s why this brand started 100 years ago with Raymond DeWalt.”
The 2025 DEWALT Trades Scholarship will begin accepting applications in October for high school seniors, high school graduates or current college undergraduate students planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year college, accredited apprentice program or vocational technical school for the upcoming academic year.
To learn more, visit dewalt.com/growthetrades
