Lowe's is launching a workforce development network that will educate young people regarding jobs in trades such as construction, according to www.charlotteobserver.com.
Generation T—or Gen T, as the home improvement retailer is calling it—is a consortium of 60 organizations, from appliance maker Bosch to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Through Gen T, Lowe's wants to debunk myths about skilled trades, which can offer high-paying positions that don't require a four-year college degree.
Mike Mitchell, Lowe's skilled trades director who led the creation of Gen T, says young people often avoid the trades because of a lack of awareness. Left unaddressed, the skills gap reportedly could create a shortage of 3 million jobs by 2028.
Lowe's says the network also can help address economic mobility in Charlotte, showing high school students the trades can provide an alternative to college and a path to economic opportunity.
Gen T will coordinate with its partners to donate products such as appliances and tools to students studying the trades. It also will build networks to help students find apprenticeships.
