The Lowe’s Foundation said it will invest $250 million over the next decade to help train 250,000 skilled trades workers, expanding a previous workforce initiative amid a persistent labor shortage.

The commitment increases the foundation’s earlier $50 million pledge fivefold. Since 2023, the foundation has invested nearly $53 million in 65 nonprofits and community colleges and expects to meet its initial goal of training 50,000 workers by 2027, a year ahead of schedule.

Industry demand remains high. Associated Builders and Contractors estimates 349,000 additional construction workers are needed in 2026 alone.

“American prosperity is at stake, and we are partnering to solve the workforce gap,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO.

The expanded effort will focus on partnerships with community colleges and nonprofits, including Columbus Technical College in Georgia, to increase training capacity, reduce barriers to entry and improve job placement and retention.

The program highlights workforce outcomes through participants such as Cleveland Roberts, a graduate of Columbus Technical College’s carpentry program who went on to win a state SkillsUSA gold medal and start his own remodeling business. “Skilled trades training gave me more than a job; it gave me upward mobility and the confidence to build something for myself and my community,” Roberts said.

The foundation also announced a three-part television series, “Building Back America’s Trades,” premiering April 11, featuring trainees and mentors in skilled trades programs.