Home Depot Targets 15 Million Students for Skilled Trades Training

With the U.S. labor market facing a projected shortfall of 4.1 million construction workers over the next decade, The Home Depot is launching a massive educational initiative. The company aims to provide 15 million introductions to skilled trades by 2032, targeting students between the ages of 11 and 17.

Money Talk·September 17, 2026·reads: 574

The new curriculum, titled Path to Pro Skills Explorers, offers free, hands-on modules covering essential trade disciplines including plumbing, electrical work, woodworking, and painting. Developed in collaboration with Scouting America and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the program is designed to bridge the gap between early career curiosity and professional training. Current data from the National Association of Home Builders indicates that only 6% of young people express interest in these fields, a statistic The Home Depot hopes to shift by integrating these resources into STEM modules and after-school programs.

Michael Rowe, executive vice president of Pro for The Home Depot, emphasized that addressing the labor shortage requires reaching individuals long before they enter the workforce. The initiative serves as an expansion of the company’s existing Path to Pro platform, which has already facilitated training for over 200,000 individuals, including military veterans and career changers. By providing turn-key guides for educators, parents, and youth mentors, the program aims to demystify high-earning construction careers and build foundational confidence in teenagers before they finalize their post-secondary plans.