Lowe’s Foundation Expands $250M Plan to Train 250,000 Trades Workers

Lowe’s Foundation Expands $250M Plan to Train 250,000 Trades Workers

The Lowe’s Foundation has announced a major expansion of its workforce development efforts, committing $250 million to train and develop 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035 as the construction industry faces a growing labor shortage.

The initiative represents a five-fold increase from the foundation’s original 2023 commitment and comes as the industry grapples with an urgent need for workers. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the U.S. will need 349,000 net new construction workers in 2026 alone to meet demand.

The expanded investment will be delivered through the foundation’s Gable Grants program, which supports community colleges, nonprofit organizations and workforce training initiatives across the country.

Investment Builds on Early Momentum

The foundation said it is already nearing its initial goal ahead of schedule. Since 2023, nearly $53 million has been invested in 65 organizations, putting the program on track to help prepare 50,000 tradespeople by 2027 — a year earlier than planned.

“Three years ago, we set out to lead an ambitious workforce movement in a pivotal moment – and it's taken off faster than we imagined,” said Marvin Ellison, chairman and CEO of Lowe’s. “American prosperity is at stake, and we are partnering to solve the workforce gap with a growing force of educators, employers and policymakers who understand local needs. No single organization can do this alone.”

To reach its expanded goal, the foundation plans to scale partnerships with nonprofits and community colleges, increase program capacity and reduce barriers to entry for prospective trades workers.

The initiative also includes enhanced collaboration with the National Center for Construction Education and Research to expand its CareerStarter platform, which connects students and job seekers directly with training programs and employers.

Media Initiative Aims to Inspire Next Generation

As part of its broader outreach strategy, the foundation is also launching “Building Back America’s Trades,” a three-part television series designed to highlight career pathways in the skilled trades.

The series will premiere April 11 on Magnolia Network and will also be available on HBO Max and discovery+. It features aspiring tradespeople and mentors participating in training programs across the country.

Among those highlighted is Cleveland Roberts, a graduate of Columbus Technical College’s carpentry program and a SkillsUSA gold medalist, who now operates his own residential remodeling business.

“Skilled trades training gave me more than a job; it gave me upward mobility and the confidence to build something for myself and my community,” Roberts said. “Columbus Tech's carpentry and cabinetmaking program has shown me what's possible when people are given access to career pathways with a tangible, real-world impact.”

The foundation is also expanding its focus to include “opportunity youth,” individuals ages 16 to 24 who are not currently in school or employed, aiming to connect them with training and long-term career opportunities in the trades.

By combining funding, partnerships and media outreach, Lowe’s Foundation leaders say the initiative is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers while addressing one of the construction industry’s most pressing challenges.

Originally reported by Lowe’s Foundation in PR News Wire.