Skilled Labor Fund Receives New Grant from The Home Depot Foundation and NAHB

The Home Depot Foundation and NAHB recently provided a grant to the National Housing Endowment's Skilled Labor Fund to help train 1,400 new skilled workers in the building and construction trades.

The grant will enable the Skilled Labor Fund and the Home Builders Institute (HBI) to support the "Schools to Skills" training program, including the necessary classrooms, tools and equipment, as well as OSHA 10 certifications and on-site job training for 16-18 year-olds currently enrolled in high school across nine states.

"Current projections indicate that by 2030 we will lose 41 percent of the skilled laborers we need to continue the work that is so mission-critical to the success of NAHB, NKBA and NARI members. If we're going to make a difference and reverse this trend, it'll take a united industry all coming together to solve this problem, and ensure the next generation of skilled workers is on its way — ready and able to do the important jobs that keep our world moving forward. Donations like this one from The Home Depot Foundation and NAHB are key to ensuring this happens, and we couldn't be more grateful," said HBI CEO Ed Brady.

The Skilled Labor Fund was founded in 2017 to fund trade school scholarships and alleviate industry labor shortages. The shortage of skilled workers in the building and construction trades is reaching near-crisis proportions, with the potential to impact both the supply of new homes as well as the ongoing repair and renovation of existing homes.

"While we know the skilled labor gap continues to grow and affect the residential construction industry, nationwide, we're encouraged by these new efforts from The Skilled Labor Fund," said Heather Prill, senior manager of strategic partnerships at The Home Depot Foundation. "The Foundation has been working very closely with HBI over the last few years to train skilled tradespeople and we look forward to working with The Skilled Labor Fund to bring new opportunities to the future of the construction industry."

"We need more skilled trades workers to help meet the ever-increasing demand for safe, affordable housing," said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. "This grant from the Home Depot Foundation and 'Schools to Skills' will help bridge the gap for many young people who see skilled trades training for what it is: A gateway to a successful career free from the burden of student loan debt. With these new skilled trades workers, we will be able to help more American families find a desirable home that meets their needs."