Home Depot Launches Free Program to Fill Skilled Trades Gap
The skilled trades gap is a pressing issue in the US, with hundreds of thousands of jobs currently unfilled. To address this problem, The Home Depot has launched a free program called Skills Explorers, designed to introduce middle and high school students to careers in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and more.
The program was developed with Scouting America, drawing inspiration from its merit badge model, and piloted with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The goal is ambitious: 15 million introductions to skilled trades by 2032.
According to Chris Waits, a key figure behind the initiative, the gap has developed over decades as college became the primary path many students were encouraged to pursue and hands-on learning opportunities became less common in schools. 'While that is a great path, it is not the only way to be successful,' he said.
The Skills Explorers program includes a free online curriculum with facilitator guides, videos, and hands-on activities exploring various trades. The goal is to create interest among young people in these careers before they're making major decisions about life after high school.