The harsh realities of the skilled labor shortage mean there are more than 300,000 open skilled labor jobs. To combat an issue that experts predict will only get worse in the future, The Home Depot Foundation has committed up to $500,000 to fund student training in home construction careers in high schools across the country. In addition, the National Housing Endowment, the philanthropic arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), pledged $200,000 in support of the effort.
“We fully understand the dire long-term outlook for the skilled labor shortage in the residential construction industry. At the same time, there are amazing opportunities for transformation in education that can help reduce the issue,” Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation, said in a news release.
According The Home Depot Foundation, the commitment will allow for a hands-on curriculum in construction trade training for thousands of high school students nationwide, along with instructor training and materials. The programs will be available at no additional charge to students and their families and students will receive a pre-apprenticeship certification upon completion.
The Home Depot Foundation's commitment is part of a $50 million partnership with the Home Builders Institute to train tradespeople over 10 years.
