In the rural communities of Montana, opportunities often come on wheels. Accelerate Montana's Job Site Ready mobile training unit, funded by a Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant, is one of those vehicles — literally and figuratively — opening doors to in-demand skilled trades careers where they are needed most.
From Tribal Nations to small-town main streets, this mobile classroom brings hands-on training in the skilled trades to individuals who've long been eager to learn but lacked access to formal programs. This is one of eight mobile training units being deployed across the U.S. through the Lowe’s Foundation’s investments in skilled trades training programs.
Building Toward Access for All
The Lowe's Foundation launched its Gable Grants program with a clear mission: to grow the next generation of skilled trades professionals by funding innovative, scalable workforce development programs. As part of Lowe’s commitment to invest $50 million over five years, the foundation is empowering organizations like Accelerate Montana to reach learners where traditional classrooms can't.
"Two-thirds of Montanans do not live within commuting distance of a two-year college or university," said Katherine Booher, Director of Workforce Partnerships at Accelerate Montana. "So we're bringing training to them ... so they can gain the skills they need to have good jobs and stay in their communities."
Rolling Opportunity Across Big Sky Country
"In Montana, mobile training is critical," said Alex Fregerio instructor for the Job Site Ready program. "We live in the fourth-largest state in the country, and this mobile unit allows me to offer training anywhere."
Over the past two summers, Alex has taken the unit to nearly every corner of the state — from Poplar to Troy and onto three Tribal Reservations. He's met aspiring tradespeople from all walks of life: high school graduates unsure of their next step, adults changing careers, and community members with zero experience but a hunger to learn.
"These communities often lack the infrastructure or contractors to provide training," Alex explains. "We give students their first experience, something real they can put on their resume, and a foot in the door to the building industry."
For students like Nycia Dewitt, the mobile unit has provided a long-awaited opportunity to enter the trades. "I've been kind of wanting to do it for a while now," she said. "The mobile unit made it possible.”
Daegan McVicker shared a similar sentiment. Tired of working in fast food, Daegan was eager to explore the trades. "I didn't want to go to college or into debt," he said. "This is nice because you get to try a little bit of everything ... It just is a good experience."
Fregerio sees this shift firsthand in his students. "Even though our build only lasts two full days, I see (the students) come in tentative, and by the end, they're picking up tools without being asked. That confidence is everything."
Mobile Unit Roundup: Lowe's Foundation Gable Grants on the Move
Accelerate Montana is just one part of a growing national movement. As part of the Gable Grants program, Lowe's Foundation is supporting a network of nine mobile training programs across the country, designed to overcome geographic, financial and educational barriers.
The other Gable Grant recipients with foundation-funded mobile units are:
- Central Piedmont Community College (North Carolina)
- Coconino Community College (Arizona)
- Columbus Technical College (Georgia)
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Mississippi)
- Mountwest Community and Technical College (West Virginia)
- Palm Beach State College (Florida)
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (Georgia)
Each program shares a common goal: making trades training visible, accessible and mobile. They collectively represent a new generation of workforce education — one that's flexible, all-inclusive and ready to meet learners where they are.
The Road Ahead
As the skilled trades labor shortage drives a $10 billion annual economic loss in the housing industry, according to a recent study by Home Builders Institute and the University of Denver. solutions like Accelerate Montana's mobile unit take on added importance. By investing in training that travels, the Lowe's Foundation is helping rewrite the playbook on workforce development.
For students like Nycia and Daegan — and their communities — that means more than a hard-earned certificate. It means a new future and new possibilities.
It just gets you a little taste of everything," said Daegan. "And that's all you need to get started."
For more information about the Gable Grants and how the Lowe’s Foundation is investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals, visit LowesFoundation.org and follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for the latest stories and updates.
