News Summary
Florida State College at Jacksonville has received a two-year $390,000 Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation. The funding will enhance training programs for electricians, construction professionals, and HVAC technicians, addressing the shortage of skilled trades workers in the U.S. The initiative, named ‘EmpowerEd by Lowe’s,’ aligns with FSCJ’s mission to strengthen communities through education. With this grant, FSCJ aims to bolster workforce development, recruit skilled instructors, and provide critical training to prepare students for immediate job placement in high-demand sectors.
Jacksonville, Florida – Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) has been awarded a two-year Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation, totaling $390,000. The primary aim of this grant is to address the growing shortage of skilled trades workers across the United States. This funding will enhance training programs specifically for aspiring electricians, construction professionals, and HVAC technicians.
The initiative, named “EmpowerEd by Lowe’s,” is designed to provide educational and training opportunities for individuals in need of support while focusing on workforce development. The program aligns with FSCJ’s mission to strengthen lives and communities through education.
The Gable Grant is part of a broader initiative by the Lowe’s Foundation aimed at expanding its support network to 60 organizations across the nation. Since the inception of the Gable Grants program in 2023, Lowe’s Foundation has committed $43 million to 28 states with the goal of training approximately 50,000 trades professionals over a five-year period. This training encompasses a variety of skilled trades, including carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and property maintenance.
The funding will not only bolster existing training programs but also support the recruitment of skilled instructors, the development of educational materials, and the purchase of necessary equipment and facilities for training. These efforts are crucial in meeting the workforce needs related to large construction projects in the FSCJ service area, ultimately helping to prepare students for immediate job placement in high-demand fields.
FSCJ is known for serving over 45,000 students annually and awarding nearly 4,000 degrees and certificates each year. This large output contributes significantly to an educated workforce that local employers need. Investing in skilled trades education is essential for FSCJ as it aligns with the growing demands of the local economy and the national labor market.
Lowe’s executive vice president noted that the initiative represents a “comeback story” for the skilled trades industry, highlighting the critical need to revitalize this sector. The commitment from Lowe’s Foundation demonstrates their recognition of the skills gap facing many industries and the importance of empowering individuals through education and vocational training.
The skilled trades sector plays a significant role in the economy, and the shortage of qualified workers has raised alarms among industry leaders who stress the urgency for programs like EmpowerEd by Lowe’s. As large projects continue to emerge, the need for trained professionals becomes even more apparent, making this grant a timely and necessary investment in the future of work.
With the financial support from the Lowe’s Foundation, FSCJ is poised to make considerable strides in workforce development, giving individuals the skills they need to succeed while simultaneously boosting community resilience and job opportunities within Jacksonville and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FSCJ Receives $390,000 Gable Grant from Lowe’s Foundation
Florida State College at Jacksonville Receives Grant for Skilled Trades Training
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Skilled Trades
- Jax Daily Record
- Google Search: Skilled Trades Shortage
- MSN Money
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development in Skilled Trades
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
