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Carhartt Celebrates Skilled Trades Educators with Steel Apple Awards

On October 27, 2026, Carhartt, a renowned workwear brand, celebrated the second annual Steel Apple Awards, recognizing eight outstanding educators who are pivotal in preparing students for careers in the skilled trades. This initiative not only honors the teachers but aims to inspire future generations to pursue careers in essential fields such as construction, automotive technology, and advanced manufacturing.

The Steel Apple Awards, in partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), recognizes educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact in their classrooms. Each honoree received a generous classroom grant of $10,000 as well as new Carhartt workwear for both themselves and their students. The awards celebrate those whose teaching goes beyond mere instruction—they ignite passion and confidence in their students, paving the way for successful careers.

Recognizing Excellence in Education

This year's award recipients included:

• - Kora Huffman, Carpentry & Advanced Manufacturing Instructor at Kelly Walsh High School, Casper, WY
• - Michael Manuel, Construction Teacher at David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center, Dayton, OH
• - Joshua O'Neal, CTE Welding Instructor at Hemet Unified School District, Hemet, CA
• - Aaron Swett, Construction Technology Instructor, Pontiac, MI
• - Bobby Cooper, Automotive Technology Instructor at Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Knoxville, TN
• - Mike Coughlin, Associate Professor, SUNY Erie Community College, Orchard Park, NY
• - Paul Frye, Director of Automotive Technology at Moore College of Technology, Memphis, TN
• - Kristopher Young, Automotive Technology Instructor, Henry Ford College, Dearborn, MI

These educators play a crucial role in guiding young individuals towards careers in fields that are vital yet often underappreciated. The awards were announced during surprise celebrations at their respective schools, where Carsartt distributed gear and classroom grants to enhance their programs.

Addressing Skills Gap

The recognition comes at a vital time when America faces a significant skills gap in the workforce. Research by the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades emphasizes that for every 100 skilled trades workers required, only 55 are being trained. This disparity highlights the need for better guidance and encouragement for young students as many high school counselors primarily recommend traditional four-year degrees over trade schools or apprenticeships.

Todd Corley, Chief People Impact Officer at Carhartt, emphasized the importance of these educators by stating, "Young people are interested in the skilled trades, but interest only becomes opportunity when someone shows them the way." The Steel Apple Awards are Carhartt's way of not just recognizing these educators but also providing them with the resources needed to continue shaping the future of skilled trades in America.

Commitment to Skilled Trades

Carhartt has a long-standing commitment to supporting skilled trades education. This dedication is evident in its initiatives such as the “For the Love of Labor” grant program, which allocates funding to organizations working to close the skilled trades gap. In total, Carhartt has contributed nearly $3.7 million through various grants since 2022 to support these efforts.

Moreover, as a founding member of the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades, Carhartt is actively involved in expanding access to skilled training and strengthening career pathways for students across the country.

Looking Ahead

As Carhartt continues to invest in hardworking people and educators, it aims to bridge the skills gap and ensure a stronger future for the skilled trades workforce. By recognizing and empowering educators through awards like the Steel Apple, Carhartt is not just celebrating achievements but also building momentum for future generations embarking on these essential career paths.

The Steel Apple Awards stand testament to the fact that behind every dedicated teacher is the potential to foster a skilled workforce that will support various industries across America. Through their hard work and the support from companies like Carhartt, the future of skilled trades looks promising.

For more information about the Steel Apple Awards and to learn more about Carhartt's initiatives, visit Steel Apple.