Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition

"The next industrial revolution won’t be built by algorithms alone. It will be built by the millions of skilled trade professionals who power, connect and move this country forward. For nearly four years, our foundation’s sole focus has been helping thousands of people enter the skilled trades by investing in America’s most innovative workforce training programs. Today through this coalition, we are answering the call from hundreds of existing partners to lead an even larger unified national effort that will redefine what’s possible when leaders from different sectors rally behind a common purpose.”

"As AI and other emerging technologies become more deeply embedded in everyday life, the resilient broadband networks that underpin them will be more important than ever -- and those networks can't be built or maintained without skilled workers," said AT&T Chairman and CEO John Stankey. "As the largest union employer in our industry, we have a firsthand view of the opportunities these jobs create for individuals, families and communities. We're proud to join this coalition to help more people prepare for and pursue the good-paying, rewarding careers that will power America's connected future."

"America’s future depends on a strong pipeline of skilled workers, and no single company can meet that need alone. By working together across industries, we can create more pathways into rewarding careers, strengthen our communities, and build the workforce needed to support the nation’s growing infrastructure and energy needs."

“We’re encouraged to see so many organizations rallying around the skilled trades. The more people we have working toward filling the pipeline of workers, the more meaningful progress we can make. We look forward to working with others who share this commitment to create opportunities for the next generation of tradespeople.”

“A skilled, capable workforce is critical to meeting our nation's housing needs. Our collective commitment to invest in the next generation of skilled trade professionals will help strengthen the workforce pipeline, transform lives and build communities.”

“The Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition provides an exciting opportunity for workforce-focused organizations to come together and create meaningful, sustainable impact on the workforce shortage facing the construction industry. Helping people improve their lives through construction career awareness, education and training is what we do at NCCER, and we are grateful to work alongside Lowe’s and the other members of this coalition to expand that impact on an even greater scale.”

“The United States cannot maintain its economic leadership or safeguard its national interests without addressing the skilled workforce shortage facing our country. At a moment when historic investments in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy, and AI are creating unprecedented demand for talent, business leaders, policymakers, and educators must work together to build the workforce that will power American prosperity. This is more than a workforce challenge, it is a competitiveness and national security priority. The decisions we make today will determine whether America leads the industries of the future or falls behind those competing for global economic leadership.”

“The future of America's economy won't be built by technology alone. It will be built by skilled people who know how to design, build, install, maintain, and improve the structures and systems that power our nation. As emerging technologies reshape every industry, the need for a highly skilled workforce has never been greater. Investing in technical education and advancing partnerships between education and industry isn't simply about filling jobs. It's about strengthening our infrastructure, driving innovation, and ensuring America's long-term competitiveness. SkillsUSA is proud to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals who will make that future possible.” 

"SkillsUSA is proud to partner with the Lowe's Foundation to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals who will make that future possible."

“Skilled trades are the heartbeat of American infrastructure; without a robust pipeline, our capacity to grow hits a glass ceiling. At GAF, we are moving from theory to action by scaling our Roofing Academy model, which has already trained over 5,750 people to meet a national standard. We aren't just filling seats; we’re building the sustainable, industry ready workforce needed to ensure America thrives.

We are ready to translate this momentum into a new industry standard.”

"Skilled tradespeople are essential to building and maintaining the homes, buildings, and infrastructure our communities rely on every day. Creating more pathways into the trades will be important to developing the next generation of skilled workers, meeting future demand, and supporting the long-term growth of the construction industry. At Simpson, we support trades education through investments in hands-on training and certification programs, mentorship, and employee engagement initiatives that connect more people with opportunities in the skilled trades."

“Skilled tradespeople are essential to building America’s future and vital to the long-term growth of manufacturing in America. At GE Appliances, we’ve committed $6.5 billion to U.S. manufacturing since 2016, but investments in factories, infrastructure and advanced technology only deliver on their promise when we have skilled people who can build, operate and maintain them. We need electricians, maintenance technicians, controls specialists and other highly skilled professionals who can work alongside increasingly advanced technology. These are strong careers that allow people to build valuable skills, earn a good living and make a real contribution to their communities. That’s why creating clear pathways into the skilled trades is so important.”

“Everywhere you go in the world, a skilled tradesperson likely got there first. This industry plans, designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure that enables transportation, housing, commerce, social connection, and ultimately sustains human life. We desperately need an incoming workforce with the skills, networks, experience, and resources to continuously build the things and the places we can’t yet predict we’ll need.”