War Department drops $10M for skilled trades program

The Center Square ^ | 7/2/26 | Andrew Rice

[CFW]

(The Center Square) - The U.S. Department of War awarded a $10 million contract on Thursday as part of its Build Freedom project, an effort to develop workers for the skilled trades.

The War Department gave the check to Mike Rowe, an American television host of “Dirty Jobs,” to support the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Scholarship program. The program funds scholarships for veterans to train for skilled trades jobs including plumbers, electricians and welders.

Rowe coordinates the program through BuildFreedom.US, a website that compiles open job opportunities in the skilled trades sector. The website connects veterans with scholarships and educational materials to support transition into the skilled trades sector.

“These jobs are in demand like never before, and they don’t require a college degree,” Rowe said. “My foundation has the money to help you get the training you need.”

Michael Cadenazzi, the assistant secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, said the COVID-19 health crisis and other societal incentives have pushed people away from skilled trade jobs. He said the U.S. military has struggled as a result of fewer people interested in the skilled trades.

“We’re talking about building careers for the future,” Cadenazzi said. “AI-proof, six-figure jobs and the ability to work across the country and to really meet a demand for the future.”

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TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: deptofwar; jobs; mikerowe; skilledtrades

[CFW]

This is a great idea! And funding it through Mike Rowe who already has a program set up is even better. If a democrat politician did this, the money would go to DEI administrators who have never worked a real job a day in their life, and would end up in the bank accounts of their friends and family members. Mike Rowe will put it to good use and actually get some young people trained in the skilled trades.

[right way right]

I wish I was 18 again so I could sign up.

[unread]

“Mike Rowe”. Now there’s a real decent fellow...

[dennisw]

Mike Rowe ... How to say you are a patriot without saying you are a patriot.

[unread]

"Mike Rowe will put it to good use and actually get some young people trained in the skilled trades."

Apprenticeship programs, and bring back "Shop" to the high school curriculum...

[Mogger]

This will give students a little background to help them develop the skill sets in some of the military tech schools.

There are technical fields in the military few folks even know exist that require a LOT of training and ability.

[Bikkuri]

Shop has been taken out of school?!

[Salvavida]

Wow. I sent a letter to my Congressman Wes Hunt (TX) two months ago asking for the same thing.........and wah-lah!! But my proposal was for US Navy ship building.

[Maine Mariner]

Yes, shop classes for both young men and young women.

In the seventh grade the boys had one semester of wood working and one semester of art. The girls had home economics instead of wood working. In the eight grade the boys had metal shop and the girls had home economics for one semester and both had art for the other semester.

I took those course about 65 years ago: I still have the cutting board and the metal base for dust sweeper. Both are still in use!

[madison10]

From most schools, yes.

[madison10]

This is for veterans. Young people will not benefit much. Will they?