What's Happening?
Lowe's, in collaboration with The Lowe's Foundation and Hiring Our Heroes, is launching the Skilled Trades Academy aimed at providing no-cost job training and placement for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. This initiative seeks to address the impending 'Silver Tsunami' in skilled trades, where aging tradesmen are retiring without enough young workers to replace them. The academy will offer training in various trades such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and HVAC, without requiring the use of GI Bill benefits. The program includes OSHA certification, resume writing, interview preparation, networking, and job placement. The first cohort will begin in October 2025 in Jacksonville, North Carolina, with applications due by September 12, 2025.
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Why It's Important?
The Skilled Trades Academy is crucial in addressing the workforce gaps left by retiring Baby Boomers, a demographic shift that will see a quarter of the U.S. labor force over the age of 55 by 2030. This initiative not only helps veterans transition into civilian careers but also fills critical roles in the economy, which currently has 2.5 million more job vacancies than workers. By providing training in high-demand trades, the academy supports economic stability and growth, offering veterans and military spouses opportunities for higher median incomes compared to the national average. This program also highlights the importance of skilled trades in maintaining infrastructure and services essential to the U.S. economy.
What's Next?
The Skilled Trades Academy will commence its first cohort in October 2025, with plans for additional cohorts in 2026. Participants will undergo a six-week, in-person training program, with opportunities for service members to participate during their final 180 days of service through the DoD Skillbridge program. The initiative is expected to expand, potentially influencing other organizations to develop similar programs to address workforce shortages. As the academy progresses, it may lead to increased employment rates among veterans and military spouses, contributing to a more robust and skilled labor force.
