Through its For the Love of Labor program, Carhartt is championing the hardest-working community organizations while empowering the workforce of tomorrow. This year, Carhartt is donating all sales from Carhartt.com and Reworked.Carhartt.com on Sept. 4 and is dedicating its Fall 2023 grant to support veteran-led nonprofit Team Rubicon and its forthcoming TRades Academy program.
The biannual For the Love of Labor initiative supports nonprofit organizations as they educate, train, and place workers into meaningful skilled trades. Expected to continue developing over the next five years, Team Rubicon's TRades Academy seeks to train military veterans transitioning to civilian life, and other workers, in disaster-standard licensed contracting skills like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
"As the skilled labor shortage persists and much of the country is increasingly impacted by natural disasters, the task of rebuilding requires hard work and 'heart' work," says Todd Corley, senior vice president of inclusion, sustainability, and community at Carhartt. "By investing in necessary job training for those who have served their country and have a passion for serving others, we're helping to bridge the skilled trades gap, empower military veterans transitioning to civilian life and invest in stronger individuals, families, and communities—both now and for years to come."
The TRades Academy was born from one of Team Rubicon's missions to rebuild safe and resilient homes in communities affected by disasters. Team Rubicon’s highly skilled volunteer force of 150,000 individuals and growing works to give military veterans the opportunity to continue service alongside first responders and civilians, and provide an outlet toward a renewed sense of purpose, community, and identity.
"Bound by Carhartt and Team Rubicon's shared mission of service, this grant will not only serve future students of the TRades Academy, but also their communities, paving a more sustainable way to address the labor shortage long term," says Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon. "We're honored to extend our partnership with Carhartt, ensuring that our country is equipped with the hardworking hands needed to restore homes and futures."
Founded in August of last year, Carhartt's For the Love of Labor grant program has received over 350 applications to date, with 16 grants awarded thus far to eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3)-designated organizations in recognized apprenticeship industries that serve at least 100 individuals annually.
