October 21, 2024 3:20 a.m.

Sutherlin High School Woodshop has been recognized as a DEWALT Grow The Trades Grant recipient for its efforts to close the trades gap.

A Sutherlin School District release said with an estimated 500,000 open construction jobs unfilled, DEWALT’s grant program aims to help close the skilled labor gap by supporting nonprofit organizations that are skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople. Each year, the program awards funding and tool donations as part of a larger $30 million commitment over five years to close the skilled trades gap.

Sutherlin High School Woodshop was selected as one of 166 organizations that are providing greater accessibility and resources for trades training.

SHS Woodshop teacher Josh Gary said, “There tools will help our students continue to learn construction trades that industry needs”.

The release said the grant funds will permit their woodshop program to continue to grow their career and technical skills. Students are currently learning construction skills and building large storage sheds.

DEWALT President and General Manager Frank Mannarino said, “DEWALT is immensely proud to support Sutherlin High School Woodshop as they work to skill and reskill the tradespeople of tomorrow moving us closer to our shared goal of closing the trade skills gap”. Mannarino said, “Funding educational programs and non-profits like Sutherlin High School Woodshop connects more people to training, resources and opportunities that will lead to successful careers in the trades”.

Pictures of work being done by SHS students is posted with this story at www.541radio.com