5 skilled trades myths debunked: Meet the educators and aspiring professionals shattering stereotypes about these fulfilling careers

October marks Careers in Construction Month, and the Lowe's Foundation is celebrating by debunking the most common myths about these rewarding pathways. This comes at a moment when the construction industry needs more than half a million workers to meet the demand in 2024 alone, a gap that the foundation is working to close with its growing roster of 35 Gable Grants recipients.

To dispel these myths, the Lowe's Foundation sat down with the educators and students who are shattering these stereotypes.

With each myth, there is a story to dispel it.

Myth #1: "Skilled trades jobs don't pay well"

Goodwill of the Southern Piedmont, a Lowe's Foundation partner in Charlotte, is providing free skilled trades education to individuals like Janeal Moore. Just a few months ago, Janeal embarked on his journey into becoming an electrician. "I've done plenty of research on electrical trade jobs and they make good money," he said, dispelling the myth that skilled workers do not make livable salaries. "One of the participants here at the trade school has a family member that makes over $120,000 a year as an electrician." Janeal said. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top-earning electricians make over $100,000 a year.

Myth #2: "Skilled trades are for men"

She Built This City, a nonprofit and Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant recipient in Charlotte, N.C., aims to train the next generation of skilled workers through its mission: "Empowering Women, Transforming Communities and Building a Future of Equal Opportunities in the Skilled Trades." Katie Haller got introduced to the skilled trades through her interest in upfitting older homes and becoming an entrepreneur. While she is in a male-dominated field, she is proof that the skilled trades are not only for men. "Being in the trades as a woman is very cool," Katie said. "Doing things that are traditionally done by men inspires other women."

Myth# 3: "Skilled trades are a 'plan b'"

Chris Sullivan, a program manager for Goodwill of Southern Piedmont's Construction Skills Training program, said, "Some people believe that the trades are for people who didn't want to go to school ... that is false. The trades are full of the smartest people - hardest working people. If you work hard, the trades have great opportunities."

Myth #4: "There is no growth in the skilled trades"

Robbie Sharpe, Building Construction Technology Program Director at Midlands Technical College has been a steady guide for aspiring construction professionals in Columbia, SC for over 20 years - making more than some family members with a traditional education. The homes built in this training program are then sold, allowing his students to work with each other as well as professionals in the field.

Myth #5: "Skilled trades aren't impactful"

Betsy Conway, Director of the Lowe's Foundation says, "Our collective commitment to skilled trades training is good for business, good for those in the workforce and good for the communities we serve. From plumbing to HVAC and electrical, when the entire industry bands together to fill the skilled trades gap, we all win."

Since awarding its first grants one year ago, the Lowe's Foundation's growing network of community colleges and nonprofits is part of the foundation's mission to invest $50 million in skilled trades education and recruit 50,000 new skilled workers over five years.

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