ALACHUA, Fla. — The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is honored to be named a 2023 DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipient for its efforts to provide career and technical education (CTE) programs and industry-recognized credentials to students through the High School Builder Program.
With an estimated 10 million global manufacturing jobs currently unfilled, DEWALT’s Grow the Trades Grant aims to help close the skilled labor gap by supporting nonprofit organizations that are skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople. Each year, the program awards funding and tool donations as part of a larger $30 million commitment over five years.
NCCER was selected as one of 70 organizations that are projected to skill and reskill more than 55,000 people in 2024 with DEWALT’s support.
“CTE programs provide a pathway for students to learn skills that will make them immediately employable in the construction industry. NCCER’s High School Builder Program brings CTE education to new communities where there are exponential growth opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of our partners, like DEWALT, we will help close the skilled labor gap and change lives for individuals through high-paying and in-demand careers.” said Melissa Perkins, Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships at NCCER.
The High School Builder Program is growing the national talent pipeline and making a local impact. With an estimated initial enrollment of 20 students per school and anticipated growth each year, this initiative is set to add 10,000 students into the talent pipeline in its first year alone, fostering cumulative and ongoing workforce growth in the years ahead.
“DEWALT is immensely proud to support NCCER as they work to skill and reskill the tradespeople of tomorrow moving us closer to our shared goal of closing the trade skills gap,” said Frank Mannarino, President, Power Tools Group, Stanley Black & Decker. “Funding educational programs and non-profits like NCCER connects more people to training, resources and opportunities that will lead to successful careers in the trades.”
To learn more about the 2023 DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant, recipients and updates for the upcoming application period beginning in May 2024, please visit DEWALT Grow the Trades.
