Technical Education

“Jobs in the skilled trades are vital to the economic health of local communities. These jobs, and the people who do them, are the lifeblood of American industry.”
– Jim Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grainger

Video: Grainger Hosts Skilled Labor Roundtable Discussion

Trades in Focus
Round Table Discussion

Grainger is committed to addressing the skilled labor shortage impacting the industrial trades. Recently, Grainger hosted a technical education roundtable with customers, suppliers, and recipients of the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program to discuss the issue. Grainger has been a partner of the American Association of Community Colleges since 2006 and is also the sponsor of Trades in Focus, an awareness campaign aimed to promote awareness about the importance and opportunities in the industrial-trade professions and highlight the training and skills community colleges offer.

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As a leading distributor of industrial supplies, Grainger is committed to helping stem the growing shortage of skilled workers while supporting the increasing technical demands of today’s industrial workplace. The pool of tradesmen entering construction, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, welding and other skilled labor-oriented industries is dwindling. Some skilled labor trades jobs are going unfilled. As baby boomers retire, the skilled trades shortfall in the labor market may reach epidemic proportions.

A Concerning Trend

The skills gap between what is needed in the future and what is available today presents a real challenge for industry.

According to industry experts and the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce:

• Employers could lose $4.7 billion between 2007 and 2012 because of skilled labor shortages
• Between 2008 – 2018, the economy will create 47 million jobs: 14 million new, 33 million to replace baby boomers. 64% will require at least some post-secondary education.
• By the year 2012, it is estimated that the U.S. will be 3 million workers short across all segments of the economy

Opportunities in the skilled trades are growing and changing faster than most people realize. The jobs available today and in the future offer exciting, long-term career opportunities that require advanced problem-solving skills, plus science, technology and math knowledge.

The Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® Scholarship Program

To help ensure that there are enough trained people for the trades, Grainger is investing in the future of the workforce through the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program. Our vision is to create an environment that makes the training and advancement of the skilled trades a priority.

The Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program awards financial assistance for tuition and books to outstanding students earning an associates degree or certificate in the fields of electrical, plumbing, welding, construction, facilities maintenance, machine technology, electronic systems, automotive repair and other industrial programs.

For the 2012 – 2013 academic year, Grainger has offered 100 community colleges across the U.S. two, $2,000 scholarships for students enrolled in an industrial trades program. One-half of the scholarships are earmarked for military veteran students.

In addition to financial support, the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program helps to launch students’ professional careers by awarding a customized Westward® toolkit upon graduation. Each toolkit includes specialized professional tools for the graduating students’ skilled trade area of expertise.

Since 2006, Grainger and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) have worked together to provide more students access to skilled trades jobs and technical education. Grainger has contributed more than $1.5 million in support of technical education in the form of scholarships, toolkits, technical education program support and awareness. View a list of community colleges currently participating in the scholarship award program.

New Resources for Veterans

On November 11, 2010—Veteran’s Day—Grainger announced that it has targeted one-third of its Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarships specifically for veterans in recognition of their service to our country.

“Grainger appreciates the contributions veterans have made to our country and their potential for service in the workplace. Industrial skilled trades are vital to keeping our infrastructure sound and our communities strong. The Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program empowers future tradespeople to complete their education and helps them start their careers.”
– Jim Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grainger

In 2009, there were more than 22 million veterans over the age of 18 with a significant number likely to enter occupations in installation, maintenance, repair, production and material moving industries.

Military students are excellent candidates for college recruitment and retention. These individuals tend to be:

• Serious, mature and motivated to complete goals. They are responsible individuals with a proven
  work ethic.
• Focused on career goals. For many, earning a degree is the pathway towards those goals.
• Have already been in disciplined job environments and possess leadership skills.

What Are the Criteria to Apply?

To apply for the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program, contact one of the participating  community colleges. To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:

• Attend one of the selected community colleges and be enrolled for at least 12 course credit hours per semester
• Be enrolled in an industrial skilled trades program such as plumbing, welding, construction, automotive or HVAC/R
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Grainger employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply

Learn more about Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program

“I have worked in many different plants and know the ins and outs very well. Plant work is my life and I have a lot to offer to an employer.”
– Edward Zugel, 2011 Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® Scholarship Recipient, Joliet Junior College

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