Lowe’s Foundation Launches Nation’s Largest Trades Coalition
The Lowe’s Foundation has launched the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, the largest cross-sector skilled trades coalition in U.S. history, to help train and develop one million people for skilled trades careers by 2035.
 |
Backed by over 75 American educators, businesses, workforce organizations, industry vendors and stakeholders across the skilled trades ecosystem, the national alliance includes corporate leaders NVIDIA, AT&T, Bank of America, Carrier, General Motors, DEWALT and Duke Energy.
The coalition draws on the track record of the Lowe’s Foundation. Recognizing that workforce challenges extend across industries, the coalition will strengthen every stage of the talent pipeline, from recruitment to career advancement.
“The next industrial revolution won’t be built by algorithms alone,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “It will be built by the millions of skilled trade professionals who power, connect and move this country forward.”
For nearly four years, the foundation’s sole focus has been helping thousands of people enter the skilled trades by investing in America’s most innovative workforce training programs.
“Through this coalition, we are answering the call from hundreds of existing partners to lead an even larger unified national effort that will redefine what’s possible when leaders from different sectors rally behind a common purpose,” Ellison said.
Members will work together to shape the future of the skilled trades workforce and collectively amplify their impact with three primary goals:
- Change the perception of careers in the skilled trades by challenging outdated narratives that position college as the default path to success.
- Invest, connect and scale proven training and credentialing solutions by bringing together educators, businesses, workforce organizations, corporate leaders, industry vendors and other stakeholders to address shared workforce challenges and expand what works.
- Collectively measure progress from training to employment by establishing shared measures that help the coalition understand what’s working, identify gaps and track outcomes across the workforce ecosystem.
Through storytelling and greater awareness, the coalition will elevate the craftsmanship and pride that define the trades and help more people see the skilled trades as a path to a successful future. Also, via case studies, pilot programs and shared approaches informed by labor market insights and employers needs, the coalition intends to accelerate peer learning and help more organizations adopt solutions for preparing talent from scratch.
Across industries and trades, the coalition will use these insights to strengthen connections between training providers and employers, improve pathways to in-demand jobs and help more people translate their training and credentials into meaningful, long-term careers.
"As AI and other emerging technologies become more deeply embedded in everyday life, the resilient broadband networks that underpin them will be more important than ever and those networks can't be built or maintained without skilled workers," said John Stankey, AT&T Chairman and CEO. "As the largest union employer in our industry, we have a firsthand view of the opportunities these jobs create for individuals, families and communities.”
He said AT&T is proud to join the coalition to help more people prepare for and pursue a rewarding career.
“We are helping create opportunities for more skilled trades careers to build the talent needed to strengthen local economies and help drive American prosperity and competitiveness,” said Brian Moynihan, chair and chief executive officer of Bank of America.
In addition to the seven corporate leaders, a cross-sector group of over 75 educators, businesses, workforce organizations, industry vendors and stakeholders have joined the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), SkillsUSA and Carhartt.
“NAHB is proud to be a founding member of the Building Futures Skilled Trades coalition,” said Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. “A skilled, capable workforce is critical to meeting our nation's housing needs. Our collective commitment to invest in the next generation of skilled trade professionals will help strengthen the workforce pipeline, transform lives and build communities.”
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The August/September 2026 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
In our cover story, Built on Relationships, Elko Tool & Fastener of Elko, Nevada has found success in the mining market by offering good customer service.
Also in this issue are Industry Updates.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
| Read the Articles Read the Digital Edition |
