Lowe's Foundation presents $1 million grant to Durham Tech for skilled trades

The Lowe's Foundation today formally presented Durham Tech with the $1 million Gable Grant it announced in July to support skilled trades.

“Meeting the demand for skilled trades professionals starts with creating strong, accessible training pathways in the communities where they’re needed most,” said Betsy Conway, executive director of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Durham Tech understands the needs of its students and the local workforce, and this $1,000,000 Gable Grand investment will help more people gain the skills and support they need to pursue rewarding careers in the trades.”

An estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030, according to the Department of Education, creating potential economic losses of up to $1 trillion annually.

Brandt Smith, president and founder of SGS Contracting in Durham and a member of the Durham Tech Foundation Board of Directors, said there is a tremendous need for electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters and industrial system technicians.

"This isn't a future problem," he said. "This is a today problem."

Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton said the investment will allow the College to serve more students and expand access, using the Orange County Campus as an example of where the grant will have an impact.

"We have not had skilled trades in Orange County. Residents in Orange County would have to figure out how to get to the College's Main Campus in Durham," he said. "This is creating an opportunity in Orange County that simply didn't exist."

Student Camila Ramirez Guerrero, who is studying engineering, interned with Skanska recently. During the internship, she got hands-on field work experience working on construction of Durham Tech's new life sciences building.  

“What I like about Durham Tech's programs is that they give people a practical way to gain skills, earn certificates, and prepare for jobs that can create real opportunities for them and their families,” she said. “That is why support for these programs is so important. It is not only about education. It is about giving people a pathway to a career, more opportunities, and a stronger future.”

Fellow student Jonas Bueno, who is pursuing a career in electrical systems, came to the College at no cost through an El Centro Hispano program. He said he sees long-term job security in the skilled trades.

"Residential electrical work goes hand in hand with the construction of the homes we see being built," he said. "Someone has to frame the house. Someone has to install the electrical system. Someone has to install the lighting. Someone has to troubleshoot when something doesn't work."