March 13, 2024 | Warren Shoulberg
The new program provides on-the-job training for students in a variety of fields, including carpentry.
Team Rubicon, Home Depot’s veteran-led response partner, has been given a $1 million grant from the retailer’s Foundation to build a new trades training program.
Team Rubicon will provide its students with on-the-job training in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, Home Depot said, as they rebuild homes in communities impacted by natural disasters.
“The Home Depot Foundation’s investment in the TRades Academy will help empower our dedicated veteran and civilian graduates to serve communities impacted by natural disasters in a new capacity while helping to fill the skilled labor gap,” said Art delaCruz, chief executive officer of Team Rubicon.
The big home improvement retailer has been working with Team Rubicon since 2012 to provide immediate disaster response and long-term disaster recovery to communities in need. “We’re proud to invest in the TRades Academy to help train skilled tradespeople, embed trades specialists in vulnerable communities and further scale the incredible work of Team Rubicon’s volunteers after disasters,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation.
“Programs like this allow The Home Depot to help fill the skilled labor gap and provide pros access to qualified candidates,” Izen added.
International Woodworking Fair
Tuesday–Friday
August 25–28, 2026
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30313