Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison is launching what is billed as the largest cross-sector skilled trades coalition in U.S. history to train up to 1 million plumbers, electricians, roofers, and welders by 2035. The initiative addresses a projected shortfall of 2.1 million skilled trade jobs by 2030, which the Education Department warns could cost the economy up to $1 trillion annually. Corporate partners include Nvidia, Bank of America, AT&T, and General Motors.

Ellison frames the mission as personal, citing his upbringing in a small rural town in western Tennessee and a father who never graduated high school. "I decided to get off the sidelines to do something about it," he said. The Lowe's Foundation previously committed $250 million over 10 years to the shortage, but Ellison recognized the challenge required broader collaboration.

The coalition aims to work with community colleges and vocational schools to scale training and certification pathways. CEOs from partner firms emphasized the durability of trade jobs. AT&T CEO John Stankey noted broadband networks "can't be built or maintained without skilled workers," while Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan highlighted the goal to "strengthen local economies." Carrier CEO David Gitlin added, "Skilled trades professionals keep our world running."