EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. — 84 Lumber and SkillsUSA are excited to announce that one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Jerome Bettis, has joined their team to participate in the SkillsUSA National Signing Day 2021 to celebrate thousands of high school seniors who are dedicated to pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

On May 4, the SkillsUSA National Signing day program will recognize an estimated 10,000 students across the country for their dedication to pursuing a career in residential construction, building trades and renovations, HVAC and plumbing and many others.

On the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, high school seniors will be recognized by their school administrators, teachers, elected officials, SkillsUSA advisors, family and friends for making the decision to pursue a career in the skilled trades, a sector in high demand right now driven by the residential building surge that continues to face a labor shortage. In a style similar to National Signing Day events for high-school athletes, seniors will be celebrated as they announce their career plans and will sign "letters of intent" for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced technical training. Throughout the day, over 10,000 students and their supporters across the nation will participate in signing day festivities via "SkillsUSA CONNECT," SkillsUSA's new virtual platform. 

"We want to thank 84 Lumber for sponsoring SkillsUSA National Signing Day 2021 on May 4th," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. "This program celebrates high school students nationwide and acknowledges their commitment to a fulfilling career in the skilled trades. Because of 84 Lumber's support, SkillsUSA National Signing Day will help generate more awareness among students considering the skilled workforce as a career option, elevating the trades and honoring our students."

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Jerome "The Bus" Bettis, is teaming up with 84 Lumber to participate in one of the signing events in the Pittsburgh area. Bettis is one of the best all-time running backs in NFL history (ninth overall in rushing) and was also the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2001. In 2015, Bettis was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"I'm excited to support this next generation of American essential workers by participating in their national signing day and by helping to spread the message of their commitment to their important career in the skilled trades," said Bettis.

84 Lumber, a sponsor of SkillsUSA National Signing Day 2021, is one of the nation's largest privately-held suppliers of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. 84 Lumber offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall. A certified national women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy Knox, 84 Lumber was named by Forbes as one of America's Largest Private Companies and one of America's Best Large Employers.

"We are proud to have Jerome Bettis on our team as we support SkillsUSA to salute high school seniors excited to start their career in the skilled trades. 84 Lumber is proud to be an American company focused on putting America to work at a time when many people are seeking employment or a fresh start during these challenging times. The residential housing sector is booming, which means our business continues to expand, as does opportunity within our family," said Hardy Knox.