Carhartt Launches 'Steel Apple' Awards to Acknowledge Skilled Trades Educators Nationwide
Carhartt, the renowned workwear brand, has made a significant commitment to enhancing skilled trades education across America with the unveiling of its inaugural "Steel Apple" awards. This new initiative aims to honor educators who are pivotal in shaping the next generation of skilled workers, recognizing the vital role they play in developing young talent in various skilled industries.
The Steel Apple awards are part of Carhartt’s broader "For the Love of Labor" campaign, dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that facilitate education, training, and career placement in skilled trades. This program not only highlights the importance of trades education but also invests in the future workforce. Through the initiative, Carhartt has allocated $150,000 towards grants and educational awards to nurture and elevate skilled trades programs.
"The mentors who dedicate their careers to training the next generation of tradespeople aren’t just teachers—they’re builders of futures, role models of excellence, and champions of craftsmanship for all hardworking people," expressed Todd Corley, Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community at Carhartt. This statement underscores the brand's commitment to elevating the professional stature of trade educators, who often go unrecognized for their contributions.
In a significant move, Carhartt will channel its Spring 2025 "For the Love of Labor" grant towards the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This esteemed nonprofit is a leading provider of construction education and career pathway programs aimed at preparing individuals for successful careers in the trades. The $100,000 grant will facilitate the launch and expansion of accredited Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs nationwide, bringing essential curricula to students who may not have access to such opportunities otherwise.
Recognizing excellence in education, Carhartt also celebrated five outstanding trade educators who demonstrate unwavering commitment to their students and the mission of closing the skilled trades gap. Each honoree receives a $10,000 award to reinvest in their classrooms, an exclusive workwear package, and national recognition for their achievements. The recipients include:
In addition to the rewards for the educators, Carhartt also provided gear to students in their classrooms, including backpacks and work gloves, reinforcing the practical aspect of trades education.
The partnership between Carhartt and NCCER is rooted in a shared mission to cultivate a more equitable pipeline for careers in the skilled trades. Boyd Worsham, President and CEO of NCCER, stated, "The Steel Apple Awards will not only honor the exceptional educators on the frontlines but also the students that pass through their classrooms." This collaboration seeks to empower vocational educators to continue making a lasting impact on the skilled workforce of the future.
Since its inception in 2020, Carhartt's "For the Love of Labor" grant program has garnered hundreds of applications and awarded 27 grants, totaling nearly $3 million. These grants have consistently supported organizations involved in apprenticeship industries that serve a significant number of individuals each year.
The Steel Apple awards align with Carhartt's legacy as a leading workwear brand that has continuously valued hard work and vocational excellence since its establishment in 1889. The company continues to innovate in ways that reflect its commitment to the skilled workforce, showcasing the importance of education and training for future generations.
To learn more about the Steel Apple Awards and the For the Love of Labor Grant program, visit Carhartt's official website or watch an informative video outlining the initiative. Through these efforts, Carhartt is not only supporting educators and students but also helping to build a brighter future for America’s hardworking individuals in the skilled trades.
The Steel Apple awards are part of Carhartt’s broader "For the Love of Labor" campaign, dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that facilitate education, training, and career placement in skilled trades. This program not only highlights the importance of trades education but also invests in the future workforce. Through the initiative, Carhartt has allocated $150,000 towards grants and educational awards to nurture and elevate skilled trades programs.
"The mentors who dedicate their careers to training the next generation of tradespeople aren’t just teachers—they’re builders of futures, role models of excellence, and champions of craftsmanship for all hardworking people," expressed Todd Corley, Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community at Carhartt. This statement underscores the brand's commitment to elevating the professional stature of trade educators, who often go unrecognized for their contributions.
In a significant move, Carhartt will channel its Spring 2025 "For the Love of Labor" grant towards the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This esteemed nonprofit is a leading provider of construction education and career pathway programs aimed at preparing individuals for successful careers in the trades. The $100,000 grant will facilitate the launch and expansion of accredited Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs nationwide, bringing essential curricula to students who may not have access to such opportunities otherwise.
Recognizing excellence in education, Carhartt also celebrated five outstanding trade educators who demonstrate unwavering commitment to their students and the mission of closing the skilled trades gap. Each honoree receives a $10,000 award to reinvest in their classrooms, an exclusive workwear package, and national recognition for their achievements. The recipients include:
- - Matthew Bracey, Construction Trades Masonry Program Manager at Randolph Career and Technical Center in Detroit.
- - Aaron Haselwood, Construction Teacher at Wichita High School East in Wichita, Kansas.
- - Robert "Bobby" Pease, Agriculture and Welding Teacher at Fleming County High School in Flemingsburg, Kentucky.
- - Bryan Suarez, Welding Teacher at Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School in Houston, Texas.
- - Jennifer McNally, Carpentry Teacher at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in South Easton, Massachusetts.
In addition to the rewards for the educators, Carhartt also provided gear to students in their classrooms, including backpacks and work gloves, reinforcing the practical aspect of trades education.
The partnership between Carhartt and NCCER is rooted in a shared mission to cultivate a more equitable pipeline for careers in the skilled trades. Boyd Worsham, President and CEO of NCCER, stated, "The Steel Apple Awards will not only honor the exceptional educators on the frontlines but also the students that pass through their classrooms." This collaboration seeks to empower vocational educators to continue making a lasting impact on the skilled workforce of the future.
Since its inception in 2020, Carhartt's "For the Love of Labor" grant program has garnered hundreds of applications and awarded 27 grants, totaling nearly $3 million. These grants have consistently supported organizations involved in apprenticeship industries that serve a significant number of individuals each year.
The Steel Apple awards align with Carhartt's legacy as a leading workwear brand that has continuously valued hard work and vocational excellence since its establishment in 1889. The company continues to innovate in ways that reflect its commitment to the skilled workforce, showcasing the importance of education and training for future generations.
To learn more about the Steel Apple Awards and the For the Love of Labor Grant program, visit Carhartt's official website or watch an informative video outlining the initiative. Through these efforts, Carhartt is not only supporting educators and students but also helping to build a brighter future for America’s hardworking individuals in the skilled trades.
Topics People & Culture）
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