We think of Home Depot as a place to go to buy supplies for do-it-yourself repair and improvement projects at home. We don’t typically think of the place as an educational institution or an organization that provides training for craftsmen. Yet that is exactly what the firm is doing.
The Home Depot Foundation, a leadership arm for the company founded by Bernie Marcus, Arthur Blank and with the help of Ken Langone, hammered down on its pledge to closing the gap among skilled laborers in America.
It announced Thursday it would commit $50 million to train 20,000 tradespeople over the next 10 years, starting with separating military members and veterans, at-risk youth and members of the Atlanta Westside community, in an effort to reduce the number of unfilled construction sector jobs in the U.S. Currently, there are 158,000 unfilled jobs in the sector, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects the total employment number of construction laborers to increase 10.5% by 2026. As FOX Business reported, many six figure jobs in the sector are going unfilled.
“We want to bring shop class back, from coast-to-coast,” Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to train 20,000 next-generation plumbers, electricians, carpenters and beyond. It’s a true honor to welcome our first classes of separating soldiers as they transition to civilian life and into successful careers in the trades.”
Isn’t that amazing and encouraging? And without any help or input from Mrs. Pelosi. Who would have thought?
It only gets better.
“HBI has a 50-year history of training individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the building industry. Our program prepares men and women for high-growth careers in the industry after leaving military service,” HBI CEO John Courson said in a statement. “With 200,000 service members separating from the military every year, our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation enables us to serve more veterans across the country.”
Home Depot also said the foundation is establishing an advanced level trades training program in partnership with the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia for residents of Atlanta’s Westside, which will expand training support to the broader veteran community and underserved high schools across America.
Note the comment about a “50-year history.” How many knew such was going on for half a century?
This is precisely the sort of news that can give Americans confidence in their ability and the ability of our business firms to build our economy. And without all the haggling and back-room deals that typify government spending programs.
Turn American businesses loose and watch what happens.
Source: Fox Business
But in Cottonwood AZ they won’t give the 10% military discount to us vets like LOWES does.
It’s company-wide which is why we shop at Lowe’s.