In the News: $25 million committed to train for trade careers

Stanley Black & Decker launches $25 million commitment to fund skills training in construction and manufacturing.

Good news for those interested in gaining skills for trade careers in construction and manufacturing. Starting October 1, 2021, nonprofits can start applying for grants from the ‘Empower Makers’ Global Impact Challenge. It’s part of Stanley Black & Decker’s corporate social responsibility program. One of the program’s goals is to empower 10 million skilled makers by 2030.

Why seek a trade career?

As there are about 430,000 construction trade jobs unfilled in the United States, this grant program is launching at an ideal time. Plus, the majority of career and technical education administrators report lower enrollment in 2021. With many in trade careers earning much more than the national average, this grant program is an opportunity for many seeking a new career.

“Over the last several decades, vocational schools and careers in the trades have been overshadowed, despite the excellent, well-paying jobs and career paths they offer, ” says Stanley Black & Decker CEO, Jim Loree.

“Our goal is to recognize and advance those organizations that are working to create the skilled workers and tradespeople of the future that our society needs. For those workers displaced by the pandemic, especially women, people of color and veterans, we want to encourage them to trade up to a career in the trades.”

Trade school vs college degree

On average, a 4-year college degree program costs about four times more than a 2-year trade school training. Along with the demand for skilled tradespeople, those will hands-on skills can start trade careers earlier and earning more money before college graduates.

Now those are just averages, and the job opportunities depend on where you live and where you want to work. College may be right for those seeking particular careers that require a degree. It just may not be right for everyone.

And having a college degree doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll earn more than someone who finished a trade school program. The national average salary is about $53,000. Electricians can earn almost 100,000 per year. The median pay for a lawyer is about 120,000. And, the median pay for an elevator installer is about $80,000 per year.

Apply for the skilled trades grant program

Nonprofits can apply at EmpowerMakers.com during the month of October. More information about the Impact Challenge can be found at StanleyBlackandDecker.com.