84 Lumber, SkillsUSA team up with NFL great Jerome Bettis
84 Lumber and SkillsUSA announced that NFL great Jerome Bettis has joined the team.
Bettis will participate in the SkillsUSA National Signing Day 2021 to celebrate thousands of high school seniors who are dedicated to pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
On May 4, the SkillsUSA National Signing day program will recognize an estimated 10,000 students across the country for their dedication to pursuing a career in residential construction, building trades and renovations, HVAC and plumbing among other skilled trades.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, know as “The Bus,” is partnering with 84 Lumber to participate in one of the signing events in the Pittsburgh area.
Bettis is one of the greatest all-time running backs in NFL history and ranks 9th overall in rushing. He was the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2001. In 2015, Bettis was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, high school seniors will be recognized by their school administrators, teachers, elected officials, SkillsUSA advisors, family and friends for making the decision to pursue a career in the skilled trades, a sector in high demand right now driven by the residential building surge that continues to face a labor shortage.
In a style similar to National Signing Day events for high-school athletes, seniors will be celebrated as they announce their career plans and will sign “letters of intent” for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced technical training.
Throughout the day, over 10,000 students and their supporters across the nation will participate in signing day festivities via SkillsUSA CONNECT, SkillsUSA’s new virtual platform.
“I’m excited to support this next generation of American essential workers by participating in their national signing day and by helping to spread the message of their commitment to their important career in the skilled trades,” said Bettis.
84 Lumber, the nation’s largest privately-held pro dealer, is a sponsor of SkillsUSA National Signing Day 2021.
“We are proud to have Jerome Bettis on our team as we support SkillsUSA to salute high school seniors excited to start their career in the skilled trades,” said 84 Lumber President Maggie Hardy Knox. “84 Lumber is proud to be an American company focused on putting America to work at a time when many people are seeking employment or a fresh start during these challenging times. The residential housing sector is booming, which means our business continues to expand, as does opportunity within our family.”
“We want to thank 84 Lumber for sponsoring SkillsUSA National Signing Day 2021 on May 4,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “This program celebrates high school students nationwide and acknowledges their commitment to a fulfilling career in the skilled trades.”
Travis noted that, because of 84 Lumber’s support, SkillsUSA National Signing Day “will help generate more awareness among students considering the skilled workforce as a career option, elevating the trades and honoring our students.”
Based in Eighty Four, Pa., 84 Lumber operates nearly 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states.