Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the leading rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, along with the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and Carhartt, the renowned workwear brand, have jointly announced a generous donation of $150,000 to SkillsUSA. This donation aims to bolster the organization’s efforts in preparing students for lucrative careers in the skilled trades. The contribution was unveiled during SkillsUSA Week, a nationwide event dedicated to promoting the organization’s programs and initiatives at local and state levels.
The donation stems from the “Support the Trades” fundraiser, a collaborative initiative between Tractor Supply and Carhartt launched in 2021. A portion of sales from the specially designed Carhartt collection contributed to this fund. The fundraiser, aligned with the core values of both companies and their commitment to supporting Life Out Here, has garnered significant attention by raising awareness about the pressing need for skilled workers and raising funds for SkillsUSA’s impactful work.
Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about highlighting SkillsUSA’s vital mission during SkillsUSA Week, emphasizing the critical role the organization plays in grooming the next generation of skilled workers. She underscored Tractor Supply’s dedication to agricultural and trade education and its honor in collaborating with Carhartt to advocate for SkillsUSA’s programs and address the skills gap.
Susan Hennike, chief brand officer for Carhartt, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting SkillsUSA’s mission and attracting students to careers in the skilled trades. With a rich history of serving hardworking individuals in these sectors, Carhartt views this partnership as an opportunity to empower students with the tools and resources necessary to bridge the skills gap and forge successful careers.
The shortage of qualified workers in various skilled trades has been a persistent issue, impacting industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as of August 2023, there were 616,000 unfilled manufacturing job openings, with certain sectors like battery and semiconductor production expected to experience even greater demand over the next decade. Professions such as electrical, mechanical, and automation technicians, CNC machinists, welders, and maintenance mechanics are anticipated to be particularly sought after.
Jason Scales, chief operating officer at SkillsUSA, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Tractor Supply and Carhartt, emphasizing the collaborative effort’s positive impact on students nationwide. He highlighted the significance of partnerships in advancing SkillsUSA’s mission and bridging the skilled workers gap.
SkillsUSA provides students with hands-on training in over 130 occupational areas, aligning with current industry standards, while also nurturing essential career-readiness skills. The funding from the Support the Trades initiative enables SkillsUSA to extend its reach and offer its training programs to an even broader spectrum of students, thereby furthering its mission of closing the skills gap.
