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The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation recently announced a new initiative to provide 15 million introductions to the skilled construction trades by 2032. As part of this effort, The Home Depot is launching Path to Pro Skills Explorers curriculum, a free, hands-on educational experience designed to introduce middle and high school students (ages 11–17) to high-demand, high-earning careers in the trades.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4.1 million construction skilled trades jobs are expected to open over the next decade, only 6% of young people are currently interested in entering these fields, according to a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.
Developed in partnership with Scouting America and piloted with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Skills Explorers is designed to equip teachers, parents and community mentors with turn-key modules to teach foundational skills in areas such as woodworking, plumbing, electrical and painting. Students can gain exposure to career pathways while building confidence through hands-on projects. The curriculum also includes age appropriate content on leadership and soft skills.
“For years, the Path to Pro programs have helped separating military, career changers and others build pathways to the trades,” says Michael Rowe, executive vice president of Pro for The Home Depot. “We know that closing the skilled labor gap starts much earlier. We need more young people to see what’s possible and understand the lucrative opportunities these careers provide.”
Skills Explorers is built to be used anywhere young people learn and grow:
- For Educators: Free, facilitation guides and videos aligned with applications that easily integrate into STEM and career exploration modules.
- For Parents & Families: Interactive, hands-on project guides that help parents explore viable, high-earning career pathways with their teens.
- For Youth Organizations: Modular, flexible and simple activities designed for troop or group meetings, after-school or home school programs and community clubs that can be taught by anyone, using detailed training guides.
“Our skilled trades merit badges have always taught young people fundamentals that put them on the path to careers,” says Roger Krone, president and chief executive officer for Scouting America. “With the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation, we can take that a step further at a moment when this country needs more young people who are ready to enter the skilled trades. Scouting prepares young people for life. With support from The Home Depot Foundation, we can prepare them for careers, as well.”
“Preparing young people for the workforce starts long before they enter it,” says Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “When young people have opportunities to explore careers, build real-world skills and see themselves in different professions, they can start to envision what’s possible for their futures. Path to Pro Skills Explorers gives Clubs the tools to make that experience hands-on and engaging, introducing skilled trades careers at a critical time when kids and teens are beginning to think about what comes next. We’re grateful to The Home Depot for investing in the next generation and helping young people gain the skills and confidence they need to be future-ready.”
