At Lowe’s in Jacksonville, NC, the Lowe’s Foundation announced a new partnership with Hiring our Heroes to help solve the skilled trades labor shortage and fulfill dreams for the next generation of Pros from the military community.
The partnership will come to life this fall through a Skilled Trades Academy outside Camp Lejeune and offer active duty service members, veterans and their spouses hands-on training for careers in HVAC, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and property maintenance.
While overall veteran unemployment remains low, younger veterans (ages 18-34) face persistently higher unemployment rates than their civilian peers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Skilled Trades Academy aims to address this challenge by equipping military-connected individuals with the tools and training needed to enter high-demand, future-proof careers.
“Helping service members make the transition to civilian life, while also tackling the skilled trades shortage just makes sense,” said Joe McFarland, Lowe’s executive vice president of stores and Marine Corps veteran. “The team at Hiring Our Heroes has a great vision for doing both right here in Eastern North Carolina, and we’re excited to support this new training hub for the military community.”
“The Skilled Trades Academy is a bold step toward solving two urgent challenges: veteran underemployment and the national shortage of trades professionals,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Events & Programs at Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “HOH is proud to partner with Lowe’s to deliver a hands-on, high-impact program that empowers military-connected talent and strengthens America’s workforce.”
Hiring Our Heroes ambassador Dakota Meyer, the second-youngest living Medal of Honor recipient and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, joined Lowe’s and Hiring Our Heroes in Jacksonville to celebrate the launch of the Skilled Trades Academy.
“The trades are built on precision, discipline, and teamwork—values every veteran knows well,” said Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient and Hiring Our Heroes ambassador. “This program is a powerful way to continue serving, by shaping the infrastructure and industries that keep America strong.”
For more information about the Skilled Trades Academy and other workforce development opportunities for the military community, visit HiringOurHeroes.org. You can also follow the Lowe's Foundation on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for the latest stories and updates.
