As we enter a new decade, the U.S. needs to create and train new skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap. There are more than 300,000 vacancies in the construction industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Today, The Home Depot Foundation announces a three-year investment of $1.9 million to the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA). This commitment directly impacts CEFGA’s initiative: the K12 Pipeline. This new program begins career training in the public-school system to prepare students for a career in the trades upon graduation. Students will benefit from new science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) initiatives.
The Home Depot co-founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank have also committed to the K12 Pipeline with two additional three-year commitments of $1.9 million provided by their foundations. This is the first ever partnership between these three organizations, creating a total combined investment of $5.7 million that will help close the skilled labor gap.
“We’re thrilled to take this next step in our trades training program,” says Heather Prill, senior manager of strategic partnerships for The Home Depot Foundation. “Our mission through this partnership is to provide options and opportunities for youth across Georgia. This program will prepare students to be career ready and support economic advancement. We look forward to the long-lasting impact to come from our combined efforts.”
This investment is part of The Home Depot Foundation’s $50 million commitment to train 20,000 tradespeople to fill the industry pipeline by 2028 and help replenish the industry.
To read more about The Home Depot Foundation, please visit HomeDepot.com/Foundation
