News Summary
Florida State College at Jacksonville has received a two-year Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation worth $390,000 to enhance training opportunities in skilled trades. The ‘EmpowerEd by Lowe’s’ initiative focuses on increasing access to vocational training, particularly for underserved communities. The grant will support training logistics, recruitment of skilled instructors, and necessary educational resources. This initiative aims to boost the local economy by preparing individuals for high-demand jobs in fields like electrical work, construction, and HVAC.
Jacksonville, Florida – Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) has been awarded a two-year Gable Grant valued at $390,000 from the Lowe’s Foundation to address the pressing shortage of skilled trades workers in the region. This funding aims to enhance training opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in electrical work, construction, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) fields.
The initiative, named “EmpowerEd by Lowe’s,” focuses on improving access to vocational training for prospective trades professionals, particularly in underserved communities. The grant will enable FSCJ to conduct training sessions at various community sites, making the educational programs more accessible to those interested in the skilled trades.
In addition to training logistics, the funding will support the recruitment of skilled instructors who can effectively deliver hands-on training. It will also cover the procurement of necessary educational materials, equipment, and dedicated spaces aimed at addressing the workforce demands associated with large construction projects.
John Avendano, president of FSCJ, highlighted the transformative impact the grant could have on individuals’ lives and the community at large. By offering robust educational pathways to high-demand careers, the program seeks to not only provide essential skills but also to empower people to improve their living situations while bolstering the local economy.
The need for skilled trades workers is more critical than ever, with many businesses struggling to find qualified individuals to fill various roles in sectors like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and property maintenance. FSCJ plays a significant role in the educational landscape, serving over 45,000 students and granting nearly 4,000 degrees and certificates each year.
The Lowe’s Foundation, since 2023, has dedicated $43 million towards Gable Grants across 28 states, as part of a strategic five-year, $50 million commitment. This initiative aims to train and prepare a workforce of 50,000 skilled trades professionals to meet the increasing demand in these professions.
Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources noted that Gable Grants are part of a broader effort to revitalize the skilled trades industry. The foundation’s commitment reflects a growing recognition of the essential roles skilled trades professionals play in the economy and the community at large.
By investing in educational programs that focus on the skilled trades, FSCJ and the Lowe’s Foundation are working to create pathways for individuals to enter fields that are not only in demand but also offer stable and lucrative career prospects. This initiative also stands to strengthen employer-employee relationships, ultimately benefiting the wider community by supplying businesses with a steady stream of qualified professionals.
As the program unfolds, FSCJ anticipates making a significant impact not just on the job market but also on the lives of participants who will gain newfound skills and opportunities to thrive in their careers. By addressing gaps in training and education, FSCJ is reinforcing its essential role in developing a skilled and educated workforce that meets current and future needs.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Daily Record: FSCJ Receives $390,000 Grant
- Wikipedia: Vocational Education
- PR Newswire: Skilled Trades Grants
- Google Search: Skilled Trades Education
- Get the Coast: Inmates Earn Certifications
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Career
- Community College Daily: Funding Roundup
- Google News: Skilled Trades Grants
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.
