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The Lowe’s Foundation recently celebrated a record-setting SkillsUSA National Signing Day in style as over 3,500 students nationwide said “yes” to skilled trades careers and apprenticeships. This included five “blue carpet” ceremonies at Lowe’s stores to cheer on these students alongside their families, future employers, SkillsUSA advisers and NFL quarterback Sam Darnold.
The perception of blue-collar careers is undergoing a generational transformation. More Gen Z students are choosing purpose-driven, skills-based paths over traditional four-year degrees—reflected in the surging enrollment at community and technical colleges nationwide. This shift isn’t happening in isolation. It’s often powered by the encouragement of parents who recognize the value, stability and opportunity these careers provide — no longer a “plan B” but an intentional path forward. Especially among SkillsUSA student signers, the support of their parents has been instrumental. Their stories reflect a cultural shift. More than ever, they view skilled trades as a strategic and purpose-driven career choice.
SkillsUSA National Signing Day … Students like Jacob Jackson, who grew up working beside his dad
Jacob, a high school senior who walked the blue carpet in Seattle, plans to attend Universal Technical Institute to pursue a career in HVAC technology and start his own business.
“Working with my dad and growing up in the trades has given me the opportunity to meet tons of people in the industry,” Jacob said. “Almost all of them said it’s the way to go.”
His father, Daniel, said, “I work in the skilled trades and couldn’t be happier with (Jacob’s) choice. Without the trades, we wouldn’t have the infrastructure that folks rely on every day. Jacob’s interest in HVAC combines knowledge of electrical, plumbing, engineering; it’s a well-rounded trade.”
SkillsUSA National Signing Day … Students like Julia Warren, who found her calling through sheet metal and physics
Julia, a student from Washington, is pursuing an HVAC apprenticeship through the Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee). Initially on a college-bound engineering track, she found her passion after being placed in a woodshop class and fell in love with the craft.
“I find the material, benefits and wage to be the most appealing as a promising career path,” Julia explained.
Her mom, Kathy, has seen her daughter’s confidence soar.
“My daughter is an excellent student; not much has changed there. But I have noticed she has taken more of a liking to physics and math, and is willing to do trial and error on projects,” Kathy said. “My daughter was thinking about going to college to become an engineer. But after she did the pre-apprenticeship for the sheet metal union, she felt this was a better fit.”
…And special guests like Sam Darnold, who knows the value of the trades firsthand
At the Seattle Lowe’s #2734 (3511 5th Street SE, Puyallup, WA 98374), students were joined by a surprise guest — NFL quarterback Sam Darnold, who took a moment to speak to the crowd.
His message was simple but powerful:
These jobs are the backbone of our communities, and the people who do them deserve a whole lot more recognition. These students are stepping into a future that’s not only bright but absolutely vital to our communities.”
Sam’s father recorded a special message congratulating the student signers:
“I’ve been a medical gas plumber for nearly 30 years. I want to start off by congratulating the SkillsUSA students on their commitment to skilled trades careers this month. We need you. As I look back on my experience as a tradesperson, I found an extreme source of pride in providing products and services to countless hospitals and medical facilities over the years.”
“I took pride in my dependability – being early, willing to stay late, doing whatever it took to finish the job right. This mindset made me a valuable contributor for my company and customers, which became an example to both of our children, as we witnessed in Sam’s athletic career over the years. Again, I wish you all the same success and rewards that I’ve experienced in the trades. It’s a journey well worth traveling.”
As students like Jacob and Julia sign for success on SkillsUSA National Signing Day, they’re redefining what success looks like.
It’s a movement—and it’s just getting started.
Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded over $34 million in Gable Grants to over 50 organizations across the nation offering innovative skilled trades training. Through these grants, program participants are strengthening their skills in carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair.
To learn more about the Lowe’s Foundation, visit Lowes.com/Foundation and follow on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
For more info on SkillsUSA, https://mechanical-hub.com/2024-skillsusa-plumbing-championship-winners/
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