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DEWALT and SkillsUSA Partner for America's Future Tradespeople

DEWALT, the renowned Stanley Black & Decker brand specialized in comprehensive jobsite solutions, has taken a significant step in supporting the next generation of skilled workers by partnering with SkillsUSA. This is the largest student-led workforce development organization in the United States, aiming to cultivate industry-ready talent among career and technical education students. This collaboration culminates in an impressive donation of $100,000 worth of tools to the SkillsUSA Championships, the nation's premier event for showcasing future professionals across various skilled trades.

This week, Atlanta will host the Championships, which is the longest-running gathering of its kind in the U.S., expected to see the participation of around 6,800 competitors across an array of over 100 skill categories including carpentry, plumbing, welding, and more. As part of their initiative, DEWALT will not only highlight their commitment through this generous donation but also distribute tools that were utilized during the competitions to aspiring tradespeople nationwide.

James Oh, President and General Manager of DEWALT, highlighted the need for this initiative, citing a recent survey that reveals more than one-third of pre-apprentices lack access to vital tools when beginning their careers. “At DEWALT, we are relentless in our commitment to removing these barriers for future tradespeople who are meeting the rising demand for skilled labor,” Oh stated. This partnership with SkillsUSA underscores DEWALT’s dedication to reducing the skills gap in the trades and empowering the new generation of workers who will become the next leaders on job sites.

Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA, expressed her gratitude towards DEWALT for their continuous support in the skilled trades arena. “This generous donation not only supports the students competing at our national Championships—it also ensures that these tools go on to empower future trades professionals across the country. Together, we're investing in America's workforce and the next generation of job-ready leaders,” she remarked.

Since 1999, DEWALT has contributed more than $1.7 million in tools and other donations to SkillsUSA, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the future of skilled labor. This partnership is part of a larger initiative called Grow the Trades, committing $30 million by 2027 to bridge the skilled trades gap and enhance accessibility to training resources. To date, DEWALT has already allocated nearly $20 million in scholarships, grants, tools, and other essential resources aimed at fostering skilled trade education across the country.

In conclusion, as America's demand for skilled labor continues to rise, initiatives like the collaboration between DEWALT and SkillsUSA play a crucial role in fostering a viable workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future. As the construction and skilled trades industries evolve, their commitment to providing the necessary tools and training for the next generation remains a priority, paving the way for future innovations and growth in the sector.

For those interested in learning more about DEWALT's Grow the Trades initiative, you can visit www.dewalt.com/growthetrades. Likewise, for further information on SkillsUSA and their invaluable contributions to workforce development, head over to skillsusa.org.