Tiffany McKnight wakes up every weekday at 3:30am to start her first of two full-time jobs. Her son, Octavian, credits his mom’s hard work for inspiring him to participate in the Harbor Freight Fellows Initiative, earn an HVAC certification and a full-time position as a HVAC technician with McLeod Health in Florence, South Carolina. On … Continued
Dr. Mittie Cannon has made advocating for diversity in the construction industry her mission for the last decade. She established Power UP Inc., which is focused on showing young women all the lucrative and empowering opportunities that are available to them in the world of construction. She reflects on how far her work has come, … Continued
The goal of the Harbor Freight Leadership Lab is to strengthen the effectiveness of leaders who are working to improve and expand skilled trades education opportunities for students. Dr. David Miyashiro, superintendent of Cajon Valley Union School District, is one of 18 educators who joined the Harbor Freight Leadership Lab at the start of its … Continued
There is power in representation. This Women’s History Month, we want to recognize teachers, partners, and organizations bringing attention to the important work and opportunities for women in the skilled trades. Our Prizewinner Network Staci Sievert, a 2021 winner of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, believes it is essential to … Continued
Thursday, January 18, 2024, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Executive Director Danny Corwin testified at a congressional hearing hosted by the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, a subcommittee within the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce. The hearing was titled “Preparing Students for Success in the Skills-Based Economy.” Danny gave an opening … Continued
The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted student learning across the country. Emerging research shows the perspective that parents and students have has shifted. A recent national polling report conducted by EdChoice notably found: Twice as many teens are planning to attend an in-state technical school since the pandemic started. It was the largest positive shift in … Continued
When Kate Lee was in high school, she was the only girl in an industrial arts class taught by the baseball coach and lucky enough to have a home economics teacher who taught a class on the basics of home planning and design. Years later, after putting her journalism degree to work in the interior … Continued
The shortage of skilled trades workers has become an urgent issue for employers. Greater investment in youth apprenticeship can be a key part of the solution. Youth apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and students are assessed against skill standards and acquire nationally recognized industry credentials. The U.S. Department of Labor reported more … Continued
“Intensive work-based learning programs led by school districts, community organizations, and labor and industry groups can provide valuable opportunities for youth to gain exposure and experience in skilled trades roles.” – Challenges & Opportunities to Expanding Work-Based Learning in the Skilled Trades, Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship / April 2021 We are incredibly proud to … Continued