Home Depot seeks to help its best customers find work

Home Depot wants more people to consider a new career in construction because some of its best clients are in need of new hires.

The largest US hardware store chain claims to have developed a virtual training program to help its professional customers in Dallas-Fort Worth find workforce.

Starting Monday, Home Depot is introducing free vocational training for craftsmen such as welders, electricians and carpenters. The Path to Pro Skills Program also offers career coaching and access to jobs with Home Depot’s commercial customers.

Home Depot benefits when its professional customers run smoothly. In this tight labor market, that means having enough workers. While only 4% of the company’s customers are people who make a living remodeling and maintaining the housing market, they make up 45% of Home Depot’s annual revenue.

“Once students complete the course, we help graduates introduce our professional contractors or professionals so they can hire and fill the work gap they face,” said Home Depot spokeswoman Margaret Smith.

The program is not intended for Home Depot hiring and job openings, she said. It is more focused on the contracting market and the business around us.

Job seekers proceed at their own pace in an instructor-led bootcamp that covers topics such as job security, tools, building materials, team building and communication skills.

The program is free and is open to anyone aged 18 and over with a valid driver’s license and internet access. At the end of the training, participants will have access to Home Depot’s network of potential employers. Here is a link to sign up.

The Atlanta-based retailer also offers its professional customers a tailored online experience, a dedicated sales force, delivery, credit and inventory management programs.

Employers step in to equip workers with the skills they need in the workforce. Walmart, and more recently Target, offer tuition and other benefits that were previously hired as employee perks.

Home Depot’s training offering is the latest example of a company helping its own customers find work. Malls and malls have held job fairs and posted job vacancies on their websites to help their retail tenants find new employees.

Home Depot has a few other inventive programs that look to the future by targeting teenagers. It has teamed up with Girl Scouts from the US to create workshops in the construction industry. The retailer’s foundation has a similar program, 100 Black Men of America Inc., aimed at black youth.

Twitter: @MariaHalkias

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