Image: Lowe's Foundation
Lowe’s Foundation has unveiled a $500,000 grant to Hiring Our Heroes to open a Skilled Trades Academy near Camp Lejeune this fall. This initiative will offer hands-on training in HVAC, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and property maintenance for active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses.
Addressing Veteran Unemployment and a National Skills Gap
While the overall veteran unemployment rate remains low, younger veterans—especially those ages 18–24—face significantly higher challenges:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veteran unemployment overall was around 3.0% in 2024, compared to 3.9% for non-veterans
For August 2025, the veteran unemployment rate was 3.1%, vs. 4.2% for non-veterans according to FRED.
Among veterans aged 18–24, unemployment has reached as high as 5.1% in August 2025—roughly half that of their non-veteran peers at 10.3% - D'Aniello Institute.
This underscores the importance of targeted programs like the Skilled Trades Academy to support military-connected individuals in securing stable, skilled careers.
The Growing Trades Workforce Shortage
The U.S. is experiencing a persistent and worsening shortage of skilled trades professionals:
In 2025, 75% of employers are struggling to fill job vacancies, including in crucial trades Exploding Topics.
The construction industry alone will need approximately 439,000 new workers in 2025—and nearly 500,000 in 2026—just to keep pace with demand, according to RedHammer
Infrastructure investments and technological expansions are further stretching the labor pool. For instance, the BLS forecasts a continued need for 80,000 electrician openings per year to replace retirees.
Beyond construction, the AI-driven surge in energy and data center projects faces delays due to an electrician shortage, with demand expected to grow 11% by 2033—nearly triple the average for other jobs.
Strategic Partnership with Real-World Impact
Lowe’s EVP of Stores and Marine Corps veteran Joe McFarland highlights the dual benefit: aiding military transition while combating the trades shortage.
Elizabeth O’Brien, Senior VP at Hiring Our Heroes, emphasizes the academy’s role in addressing two critical issues—veteran underemployment and national labor shortages.
Dakota Meyer, Medal of Honor recipient, reflects on how the values instilled in the military—precision, discipline, teamwork—translate seamlessly to the trades.
Why This Matters for Trades & the Workforce
Pipeline Creation
The academy acts as a direct pipeline, equipping well-disciplined, motivated individuals with high-demand trade skills.
Boosting Capacity in Critical Sectors
From HVAC to electrical and property maintenance, these roles support essential infrastructure—from residential to commercial and industrial systems.
Alleviating National Workforce Pressures
With nearly half a million roles unfilled in construction and critical gaps in specialties like electrical work, this academy contributes meaningful, scalable change.
Model for Public–Private Solutions
It showcases an effective model where corporate philanthropy and nonprofit mission align for tangible workforce outcomes.
Final Thought
Lowe’s Skilled Trades Academy isn’t just a donation—it’s a strategic response to two national priorities: integrating military communities into the workforce and revitalizing America's skilled labor base. As industries face rising demand and severe worker shortages, this initiative paves the way for a sustainable, mutually beneficial model of workforce development.
