Dive Brief:

• The Home Depot, via The Home Depot Foundation, has announced it will invest $50 million to train up to 20,000 individuals by 2028.
• The foundation previously launched a pilot job training program last year in conjunction with the nonprofit Home Builders Institute in which it trained U.S. military veterans at Fort Stewart and Fort Bragg. The program's first graduating class is in the process of finishing up a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program, which was provided free of charge.
• After initial success — its first class posted a job placement rate of over 90% — the program will be expanded to additional military bases across the country. The foundation is also creating an advanced level trades training program for residents of Atlanta, and will expand training for the larger veteran community as well as underserved high schools across the U.S.

Dive Insight:

In a move to meet increased consumer demand, The Home Depot joins competitor Lowe's in taking a step toward developing training opportunities with apprenticeships and skilled trades programming.

A recent report showed increases in the number of online job ads for industries like maintenance and installation, which is a potential response to persistent skills gaps in these fields. Fast-track training options are being created across the U.S. to meet these hiring pressures. Some companies have turned to local communities for assistance, partnering with various educational institutions and organizations to accelerate training and develop opportunities, including apprenticeships.

With its stated focus on training veterans, The Home Depot is tapping into one of several overlooked talent pools. The home improvement retailer has also innovated on the recruiting side of the house, adding an interview self-scheduling tool to help fill 80,000 vacancies in its stores nationwide.