Angi launches skilled trades scholarship program

Angi last week announced a scholarship program for trade school students nationwide. 

Why it matters: Nearly 25% of tradespeople are approaching retirement, and over 37,000 job openings for HVAC techs and installers are projected every year until 2032. 

Details: Angi will award $10,000, giving $2,500 to four students who have been “accepted to, or are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate construction-related trade program at any trade school, college or university.” 

• To apply, students are required to write a 1,000 to 2,000-word essay on one of three topics, including: “How would you encourage your peers or others to pursue a career in the home services trades?”

• Winners will be picked by a council of contractors and announced on or around September 2nd — submissions are due August 23rd. 

The big picture: Gen Z’s interest in the trades is rising — and traditional college enrollment is falling. 

• The announcement follows similar developments, including NEST’s Skilled Trades Advisory Council launch in August and Johnson Controls’ recent investments in K-12 schools and community colleges.

Looking ahead: Angi’s CEO, Angie Hicks, said the program is in an initial phase and will be expanded if successful.