Home Depot expands Path to Pro program with welding, refrigeration
America’s largest home improvement retailer is expanding its workforce training efforts through a new partnership.
The Home Depot is teaming up with StrataTech Education Group (StrataTech), an operator of skilled trade schools, to expand its Path to Pro program, which aims to educate more people in the skilled trades and help them find careers in the home improvement industry. As part of the partnership, StrataTech will provide educational content designed to equip participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge for a career in professional welding or refrigeration.
As part of the partnership, Home Depot’s Path to Pro will collaborate with StrataTech’s schools, including The Refrigeration School, Inc. in Phoenix and Tulsa Welding School campuses, for open house events so students can learn about the program and enroll in the Path to Pro Network.
Since launching in 2021, the Path to Pro program has built a network connecting more than 40,000 aspiring trades professionals with companies looking for skilled workers.
“The Home Depot remains committed to educating more people in the skilled trades and helping people build careers in the construction and home improvement industries through our Path to Pro program,” said Jenna Arca, director of workforce development at The Home Depot. “We’re excited to partner with StrataTech to expand our current training programs and create new opportunities for future Pros.”
According to the American Welding Society, 360,000 new welding professionals are needed over the next three years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 6% growth in employment for HVAC technicians from now to 2032. Both figures are in line with a February report from Associated Builders and Contractors which showed that the construction industry is currently short by more than half-a-million workers to keep up with demand.
“At StrataTech, we understand the importance of building the next generation of skilled trades professionals, especially amidst the current labor shortage across our country,” said Mary Kelly, CEO and president of StrataTech Education Group. “The HomeDepot shares our mission to provide access to education and employment opportunities for aspiring professionals and we are excited about the opportunity to partner with them.”
Headquartered in Atlanta, The Home Depot operates more than 2,330 retail stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.