Empowering Future Tradespeople: DEWALT Announces Scholarship Program for Aspiring Workers

Supporting the Next Generation of Tradespeople

DEWALT, a prominent name in jobsite solutions and a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, has launched its 2026 Trades Scholarship aimed at guiding the next generation of trades professionals. This initiative is particularly crucial as industries across North America face a significant labor shortage, compounded by the retirement of seasoned workers. As many skilled professionals step back from their roles, DEWALT's scholarship program is designed to ensure a sustainable future for essential trades.

The Importance of Skilled Trades

The contemporary landscape of skilled trades is undergoing transformative changes. With the increasing need for infrastructure development—driven by projects such as data centers and electric vehicle (EV) plants—there's an urgent demand for a skilled workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 650,000 job openings annually in construction and related fields due to both worker retirements and industry growth. Similarly, in Canada, it's projected that the overall hiring requirements will surpass 350,000 by 2033 as a wave of retirements looms.

James Oh, the President of DEWALT, emphasizes the significance of investing in new talent: “It is critical that DEWALT invests in the next wave of talent to keep the industry thriving and to empower the future builders and problem-solvers of the world.”

Overview of the Scholarship Program

The 2026 DEWALT Trades Scholarship is an integral part of DEWALT's broader commitment outlined in the Grow The Trades Initiative. With a pledge to invest $60 million by 2030, DEWALT has already provided over $20 million in scholarships, grants, and donations of tools to support aspiring tradespeople. This year, they aim to distribute $200,000 through 40 scholarships, each worth $5,000, to students in both the U.S. and Canada.

Alvin Townley, the Founding CEO of the SkillPointe Foundation—which partners with DEWALT—highlights the significance of removing financial barriers for aspiring workers. The combined efforts are aimed at facilitating access to education and hands-on training essential for entering high-demand careers in the skilled trades.

Application Process

Applications for the DEWALT Trades Scholarship are currently open and will remain so until February 28, 2026. Prospective applicants can find more information and submit their applications through the DEWALT website. They can also explore the Grow The Trades initiative for additional resources aimed at bolstering the skilled workforce.

To learn more and apply, individuals can visit DEWALT Trades Application and find further details about the Grow The Trades initiative at dewalt.com/growthetrades.

Conclusion

As DEWALT launches this scholarship program, it sets a precedent for other organizations to invest in the training and education of future professionals in the skilled trades. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these will play a crucial role in ensuring both economic stability and workforce sustainability. The next generation of trades professionals stands ready to step into their roles, backed by the support of leading industry players like DEWALT.

For more information about DEWALT and its various initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.