MOORESVILLE, N.C., April 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 60
organizations today announced Generation T ("Gen T"), a movement
intended to help fill the skilled trade gap that analysts predict
will leave 3 million jobs open by 2028. Led by home improvement
retailer Lowe's Companies Inc. (NYSE: LOW), the movement creates a
path to grow talented tradespeople who are vital to our society's
future.
Through support from industry leaders, Gen T aims to shift the
societal perception of the trades by demonstrating the economic
mobility possible, exposing children to trade education early and
encouraging students to explore career options beyond four-year
degree programs. Gen T also connects prospective skilled trade
professionals to apprenticeships and jobs through the
WeAreGenerationT.com website.
According to IHS Markit, the construction industry is slated to
experience stronger wage growth than the rest of the U.S. economy,
but a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders
revealed that 69 percent of its members were experiencing delays in
completing projects on time due to a shortage of qualified workers,
while other jobs were lost altogether. This disconnect can be
attributed to a retiring workforce and unfavorable perception.
According to Lowe's research, high school students believe pursuing
a career in the trades would make them seem boring, while adults
feel it would make them seem talentless.
"We believe the professional trades are an essential part of
America's future," said Jennifer L.
Weber, executive vice president, Human Resources, Lowe's.
"We're committed to opening that path to those who relish the
challenge of creating something out of raw materials, and take
pride and satisfaction in mastering the skills required to do it.
We've seen the success that can result from empowering people with
a skilled trade through our more than 1,350 associates currently
enrolled in Lowe's Track to the Trades program. If we don't fill
the existing skilled trade gap, our businesses, homes and
communities will suffer."
Below are examples of how Generation T partners are taking
action and generating awareness in skilled trades:
- Lowe's introduced Track to the Trades, a workforce
development initiative to provide career alternatives and financial
support for Lowe's associates interested in pursuing a skilled
trade. Track to the Trades, launched in February 2018, has more than 1,350 Lowe's
associates enrolled and participating in pre-apprenticeships.
Programs include carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and
appliance repair. Lowe's helps facilitate job placements at the
company or within its national network of contractors.
- Southwire Company is dedicated to training and
supporting the next generation of apprentices. In year 2018 alone,
Southwire Solutions University trained over 700 apprentices in
their facility. Along with training and support, Southwire annually
donates products to apprentice schools all across the country.
- Timberland PRO, a brand providing safety footwear and
work apparel for the trades, launched a new campaign in fall 2018
to help change the perception of the trades. Titled Always Do.
Never Done., the campaign showcases men and women in a
heroic way working in epic outdoor settings. The goal is to inspire
the next generation of workers and also change perceptions about
the doers of the world. You can view "Sun" here.
- MARSHALLTOWN sponsors trade institutions, programs, and
contests through their Tools for
Schools program, helping to ensure quality tools are in
the hands of students nationwide. In addition, MARSHALLTOWN is
donating a portion of the profits from their children's book
series, Marshall T. Trowel and
Family, to promote high school vo-tech education. For more
information, visit MARSHALLTOWN.com.
- The Bosch Community Fund is providing scholarship
opportunities for students who demonstrate interest in the trades
and attend one of six northwest Chicago suburban high schools. The program,
developed in partnership with the District 214 Education
Foundation, gives students who pursue a trade career the chance to
earn a scholarship that will fund a community college career
certificate program. The headquarters of Bosch Power Tools North
America is located in Mt. Prospect,
Ill., which is part of District 214.
For businesses interested in joining Generation T or prospects
looking to explore the trades or learn more about apprenticeships,
visit WeAreGenerationT.com for more information.
About Generation T
Generation T is a movement of
organizations, launched by Lowe's, committed to rebuilding and
changing public perceptions of the skilled trades in America.
Generation T seeks to drive enrollment in skilled trades education
and build a pipeline of skilled trade workers to offset the
anticipated gap of 3 million jobs by 2028 through a
first-of-its-kind national marketplace for connecting people to
prospective apprentices and jobs. For more information on
Generation T, visit www.WeAreGenerationT.com.
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SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.