AGC Construction Education Foundation is Named a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant Recipient

The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) is honored to announce that the AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit benefit corporation dedicated to inspiring, developing, and equipping California’s current and future construction workforce, has been selected as a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipient.

With an estimated 500,000 open construction jobs unfilled, DEWALT’s Grow the Trades Grants aim to help close the skilled labor gap by supporting nonprofit organizations that are skilling, reskilling, and upskilling tradespeople. Each year, the program awards funding and tool donations as part of a larger $30 million commitment over five years to address the skilled trades gap.

The AGC CEF was chosen as one of 166 organizations providing greater accessibility and resources for trades training.

“AGC CEF is incredibly honored and grateful to be a recipient of the DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant, which will allow us to expand the efforts of our workforce development programs,” said Erin Volk, Executive Director of AGC CEF and Senior Vice President of Workforce and Community Development at AGC of California. “The AGC CEF plays a crucial role in building California’s construction industry workforce pipeline by attracting, developing, and retaining talent.”

The DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant will provide funding to AGC CEF programs, including Build California, to cultivate diverse talent and empower young people to pursue training and credentials for careers in construction. AGC CEF will focus on expanding its social and digital media presence to attract the next generation, increasing community outreach to students and adult job seekers, and boosting enrollment in industry-specific training programs.

The organization will also offer personalized counseling and job placement services to help participants secure meaningful employment after completing their education and training.

“DEWALT is immensely proud to support the AGC Construction Education Foundation as they work to skill and reskill the tradespeople of tomorrow, moving us closer to our shared goal of closing the trade skills gap,” said Frank Mannarino, President and General Manager of DEWALT. “Funding educational programs and nonprofits like AGC CEF connects more people to training, resources, and opportunities that will lead to successful careers in the trades.”