Behind every home built and tool lifted, the Home Depot Foundation is powering skilled trades careers through its Path to Pro trade programs. Courtney Jenkins from the Home Depot Foundation joins host Andrew Brown to discuss how to start a career in the trades, and what’s next for the trades industry.
Host Andrew Brown welcomes Courtney Jenkins, Manager of National Programs and Strategic Partnerships at the Home Depot Foundation, for a deep dive into the future of skilled trades careers. Discover how trade programs, Path to Pro, and national partnerships are training thousands for construction jobs, HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical careers.
Whether you’re exploring education in the trades, a contractor seeking new talent, or someone curious about craftsmanship and problem-solving, this episode shows how advocacy, access, and mentorship are closing the skilled labor gap.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) – Skilled Trades as Option A: Why trades careers deserve to be the first choice, not a fallback.
(06:45) – Home Depot Foundation’s $50M Commitment: How investment fuels trade programs nationwide.
(13:10) – Path to Pro Platform: Training, mentorship, and scholarships for construction jobs and trades careers.
(22:30) – Fixing the Labor Shortage: How the trades industry is rebuilding America’s workforce.
(33:50) – Real-Life Impact Stories: From high school programs to veterans finding their calling.
(46:15) – Get Involved: How to join Path to Pro, volunteer, or start your own skilled trades initiative.
Key Takeaways
- The Skilled Trades = Essential Careers: The trades industry fuels America’s economy with construction jobs, HVAC, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers who create lasting impact.
- $50M in Action: Home Depot Foundation’s Impact: Through national trade programs like Path to Pro, the Home Depot Foundation has trained 60,000+ participants and introduced 490,000 people to skilled trades opportunities.
- Education + Advocacy Build the Pipeline: The next generation of tradespeople needs strong mentors, inclusive education, and a culture that celebrates craftsmanship and problem-solving.
- Path to Pro = Path to Success: With free training, scholarships, and job connections, Path to Pro makes starting in the skilled trades accessible, debt-free, and rewarding.
About the Guest
Courtney Jenkins serves as Manager of National Programs and Strategic Partnerships at the Home Depot Foundation, leading initiatives that expand access to trade programs, strengthen the trades industry, and help close the construction jobs gap. Through Path to Pro, she advocates for education, diversity, and long-term career growth in the skilled trades.
Keywords
Skilled Trades, Construction Jobs, Home Depot Foundation, Trade Programs, Path to Pro, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Courtney Jenkins, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Contractors, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council
Resource Links
Home Depot's Path to Pro Website: https://pathtopro.com
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyjenkins90/
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