06/19/2026
Lowe’s CEO Lowe’s Marvin Ellison announced a major investment plan aimed at closing the skills gap in the trades industry. Over 10 years, the company committed $250 million to train 250,000 workers in fields such as electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.
Ellison pointed to rising demand for skilled labor and said AI could not replace hands-on trade work. He noted that while AI handled tasks like writing emails, it could not match real-world expertise needed for work like roof repairs or electrical systems.
Marvin Ellison framed the initiative as a response to long-term workforce needs. He said the effort supported both industry demand and practical job readiness in communities across the country.
As automation expanded across many sectors, the trades remained steady in demand. Lowe’s investment focused on preparing a new generation of workers with job-ready skills that technology could not replace.
