DEWALT Invests in Future Tradespeople with 2025 Scholarship Program

DEWALT's Commitment to the Trades

In an effort to empower a new generation of skilled tradespeople, DEWALT, a leading brand under Stanley Black & Decker, has announced the recipients of its 2025 DEWALT Trades Scholarship program. This initiative was spurred by the alarming findings of a recent survey indicating that nearly half of aspiring pre-apprentices are deterred by the costs associated with trade school. With this scholarship, DEWALT aims to alleviate that concern and support students in fields including electrical work, carpentry, and welding.

This year, DEWALT awarded a remarkable $190,000 in scholarships to 38 students spanning the United States and Canada. These recipients are pursuing 12 different trade careers that are essential for the future of various industries, including HVAC, welding, and construction. The distribution of scholarships reflects DEWALT's dedication to bridging the skilled labor gap and enhancing resources for vocational education.

A Helping Hand for Future Tradespeople

According to DEWALT President James Oh, the organization has been committed to supporting trades for over a century. He remarked, "As the need for skilled labor continues to rise, we are helping empower the next generation of tradespeople with the resources they need to become leaders on the jobsite." This statement underscores the company's recognition of the growing demand for skilled labor and its commitment to facilitating education and training in this sector.

The scholarship program is part of a broader initiative called Grow the Trades, a commitment of $30 million over five years to address the skilled trades gap in the U.S. To date, DEWALT has invested nearly $20 million in scholarships, grants, tools, and additional resources for trade training, clearly demonstrating their ongoing support for skills development.

Spotlight on Scholarship Recipients

Several standout recipients this year embody the spirit of this initiative. Robert Mendez, from Saint Augustine, Florida, once held a corporate job but now aspires to become a diesel technician. Mendez shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I am contributing to industries that make a real-world difference in everyday people's lives." His transition reflects a growing trend among individuals seeking fulfillment in careers that have a tangible impact.

Another recipient, Gretta Vieths, found new purpose after shifting from various desk jobs to considering a career in electrical construction and maintenance at Dakota County Technical College in Minnesota. "The decision to switch careers to a construction trade has been empowering," she remarked, highlighting how this change allowed her to rediscover her potential.

Julian Simmons is currently balancing part-time work as an HVAC technician while studying at Guilford Technical Community College in North Carolina. He aspires to eventually run his own HVAC business. Simmons expressed that his education in HVAC would provide him with not only career security but also the satisfaction of making meaningful changes in others' lives.

Lastly, Haley Debum, an automotive technology student at Arapahoe Community College in Colorado, shared how the DEWALT Trades Scholarship has encouraged her to pursue a field traditionally dominated by men. "Earning the DEWALT Trades Scholarship... shows the incredible support I have by my side that motivates me even more," she conveyed, emphasizing the importance of skill areas in today’s workforce.

Conclusion

With initiatives like the DEWALT Trades Scholarship, the company is not only fostering talent but also addressing pressing workforce needs. By investing in trade education, DEWALT is helping to mold the next generation of skilled laborers, ensuring that the essential industries will have the qualified professionals they need. For more details about the Grow the Trades program, aspiring students and interested parties can visit www.dewalt.com/growthetrades. This program is a beacon of hope for many students seeking a brighter future in skilled trades, emphasizing the importance and relevance of vocational training today.