Lowe’s pumps $43 million into the trades

The Lowe’s Foundation has invested $43 million into skilled trades programs across the country since 2023, including 12 new grants for community and technical schools, the company announced Friday. 

Why it matters: The grants are part of Lowe’s five-year, $50 million commitment to help schools and nonprofits recruit and train 50,000 people in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries, among others — and Friday’s announcement puts it well ahead of schedule. 

What’s happening: The latest awards went to 12 schools in 11 states, including California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, and the $43 million invested to date now covers 28 states. 

• What they’re saying: “Collectively, we are writing a comeback story for the skilled trades industry,” said Janice Dupré, chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. 
• “Through our Gable Grants network, these schools join a community of innovators helping one another effectively recruit, train, and employ the people America needs to revitalize our infrastructure.”

The big picture: The skilled labor gap costs the U.S. housing industry $10 billion a year, the company notes. “Through expanded training, [these grants] will help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople at a time when the industry needs it the most,” it adds.