Home Depot talks construction careers

Home Depot is talking about Careers in Construction Month, during October.

“This month-long initiative focuses on increasing public awareness of construction careers and inspiring the next generation of craft professionals,” said the big retailer.

Right now, there are more than seven million people employed in the construction industry nationwide – a number that’s expected to grow over the next decade, said the company.

Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation said they are committed to training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, diversifying the industry and helping fill the skilled labor gap through their Path to Pro programs.

The retailer talked about some of its own construction industry numbers:

“There are 400,000 job openings in the construction industry,” said the firm.

“By 2031, 40% of construction workers are expected to retire,” the company said.

“Ninety-four percent of contractors struggle to find skilled workers,” it added.

Home Depot said its Path to Pro program provides jobseekers and hiring professionals alike with resources, trades training and career networking opportunities, available in English and Spanish.

As the skilled trades population becomes increasingly diverse, the retailer said, ensuring accessibility to trades training and resources is critical to bridging the labor gap between the number of skilled trade workers and unprecedented demand for trade jobs.