September 20, 2024, York, Pennsylvania –York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation Inc. is honored to be recognized as a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipient for its efforts to introduce young individuals to the many skilled trade career opportunities in our community and to provide training through our Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship.
With an estimated 500,000 open construction jobs unfilled, DEWALT’s Grow the Trades Grants aim to help close the skilled labor gap by supporting nonprofit organizations that are skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople. Each year, the program awards funding and tool donations as part of a larger $30 million commitment over five years to close the skilled trades gap.
York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation Inc. was selected as one of 166 organizations that are providing greater accessibility and resources for trades training.
“We are excited to receive this $10,000 Grow the Trades grant from DEWALT. This investment will greatly enhance the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation’s efforts to equip the next generation of skilled workers with the tools and training they need to thrive in the trades,” said Melissa Longenberger, Executive Director at the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation.
The tools received will help the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation provide a real-life experience for our Building Trades Pre-Apprentices with high-quality tools and equipment. The Foundation will also be able to provide a tape measure, speed square, and hammer for each pre-apprentice to keep upon completing the pre-apprenticeship, equipping them for a successful start to the skilled trades career.
“DEWALT is immensely proud to support the York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation as they work to skill and reskill the tradespeople of tomorrow moving us closer to our shared goal of closing the trade skills gap,” said Frank Mannarino, President and General Manager of DEWALT. “Funding educational programs and non-profits like the York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation connects more people to training, resources and opportunities that will lead to successful careers in the trades.”
To learn more about the DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant, recipients and updates for the upcoming application period, please visit DEWALT Grow the Trades.
