What would you do with $50 million? Lowe’s decided to invest it into the future of the skilled trades—training 50,000 people for careers in plumbing, welding, electrical, HVAC, and more.
Host Andrew Brown sits down with Betsy Conway, Director of the Lowe’s Foundation, to explore how skilled trades careers are being shaped by Lowe’s Foundation grants, plumbing apprenticeship programs, and SkillsUSA training programs. They dive deep into how nonprofits, community colleges, and industry experts are tackling the welding workforce shortage, empowering new electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC techs, and contractors.
Whether you’re just starting in the trades industry or looking to grow, this episode delivers insights into mentorship, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and trades careers advocacy that define the future of the skilled trades.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● (00:00) – Skilled Trades Careers Overview: Why the trades industry needs plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and HVAC pros now more than ever.
● (02:15) – Lowe’s Foundation Grants: Investing $50M to train 50,000 people for rewarding trades careers.
● (08:40) – Welding Workforce Shortage: Why the U.S. needs 320,000 welders by 2029 and how SkillsUSA training programs are stepping in.
● (15:10) – Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs: How mentorship, apprenticeships, and education change lives.
● (23:30) – Education & Access: Mobile training labs bringing opportunity to underserved communities.
● (35:55) – Tools of the Trade Advice: Betsy Conway’s no-limits mindset for aspiring tradespeople.
Key Takeaways:
● Lowe’s Foundation grants are fueling innovation at community colleges and nonprofits, making skilled trades careers more accessible.
● The welding workforce shortage is real—hundreds of thousands of welders are needed, and SkillsUSA training programs are preparing the next generation
● Plumbing apprenticeship programs and mentorship create viable career paths for women, career changers, and young professionals.
● Success in the trades industry relies on craftsmanship, creativity, advocacy, and strong peer networks of tradespeople.
About the Guest:
Betsy Conway is the Director of the Lowe’s Foundation, where she leads initiatives to tackle America’s skilled trades workforce crisis. Through strategic Lowe’s Foundation grants and partnerships with nonprofits, community colleges, and SkillsUSA training programs, she helps create accessible plumbing apprenticeship programs, addresses the welding workforce shortage, and champions opportunities for future electricians, carpenters, HVAC techs, contractors, and millwrights.
Keywords:
Skilled Trades Careers, Lowe’s Foundation Grants, Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs, Welding Workforce Shortage, SkillsUSA Training Programs, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Tradespeople, Andrew Brown, Betsy Conway, Lowes Foundation, Toolfetch, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Industry Experts, Advocacy, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Education, Mentorship, Trades Careers Growth
Resource Links:
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-conway/
Lowe’s Foundation: https://lowesfoundation.org
Instagram: @LowesFoundation
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