ANNADALE, Minn. – In its continued effort to support the national technical education community, Malco Products, SBC, provided $25,600 in-kind donations to SkillsUSA State Association Sheet Metal Champions.

Each year, the SkillsUSA program invites students to compete in skilled trade contests. To give some of these students a boost, Malco donated Malco Backpack Tool Kits to students who competed and became champions at the state level. These students went on to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky. 

As a strong supporter and advocate of careers in the trades, Malco donates more than $160,000 of in-kind products and apparel annually to a variety of skilled trade education programs, competitions and events across the country. This includes high school, post-secondary technical and apprenticeship programs, regional apprenticeship contests and SkillsUSA state and national conferences.

“At a time when there is a nationwide shortage of hard-working women and men in the trades, we are proud to provide support for their education through these initiatives,” Malco CEO and President Mardon Quandt said. “Malco also ensures as many tradespeople as possible are able to tackle their jobs effectively with our high-quality, labor-saving tools.”

Each school term, Malco recognizes high-achieving students and entire graduating classes in the HVAC/sheet metal, building construction and auto body repair fields through the “Head of the Class” Student Recognition Program. 

This program, provided at no cost, allows educators to nominate outstanding graduating students to receive a Malco tool gift with an average value of $150. Malco even offers discounts and custom tool-kitting programs to educators and students through its distributors.

Malco’s donations are just one of many ongoing efforts being made by the skilled trades industry to support an up-and-coming workforce in the United States.