Skilled Trades Advisory Council launches national contest to award $20,000 in tools and equipment

STAC Skilled Trades Champions will support schools, businesses and organizations helping Americans begin careers in the skilled trades.

The Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC) today announced STAC Skilled Trades Champions, a national contest awarding two winners $10,000 each toward tools and equipment to help more people begin careers in the skilled trades. Applications are now open through Jan. 7, 2027.

Each winner will receive a $10,000 gift card to a national tool supplier selected by STAC. The awards will support the skilled trades work described in the winning applications.

The contest welcomes applications from teachers, schools, training programs, small businesses, community organizations and individual mentors supporting pathways into trades careers. Applicants must identify a U.S.-based school, business or organization that will receive the award and use it to support that work.

From a high school shop teacher introducing students to hands-on work to a community college welding program or a plumbing business training apprentices, STAC Skilled Trades Champions aims to support people already building the next generation of skilled professionals.

“Across the country, teachers, mentors and business owners are helping people discover careers in the skilled trades,” said Rob Almond, CEO of NEST and a founding advisor of STAC. “We want to hear their stories, understand what they need and put tools and equipment in their hands so they can reach more future tradespeople.”

To apply, participants must submit a video of 90 seconds or less explaining their work and how $10,000 in tools and equipment would expand their impact. Video production quality will not be scored. Entries are limited to one application per receiving school, business or organization.

A judging panel of STAC founding advisors Andrew Brown, Sarah Hammond, Mónica Muñoz, Kate Cinnamo, Sara Angus, Julie Starzynski and Rob Almond will evaluate applications based on demonstrated impact, the clarity and feasibility of the proposed use of tools and equipment, and the potential to reach more future tradespeople.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Jan. 7, 2027. STAC expects to notify potential winners on or about Jan. 29, with awards expected to be delivered by Feb. 19, subject to eligibility verification and completion of required documentation.

Individuals submitting applications must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the 50 United States or District of Columbia. Applications on behalf of a school, business or organization must be submitted by an authorized representative. No purchase or payment is necessary to apply or win. Additional eligibility requirements and exclusions apply.

Application information and Official Rules are available at skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com.

About the Skilled Trades Advisory Council

The Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC) is a nonprofit organization launched in August 2023 to address the skilled trades labor crisis in the U.S. and Canada. Spearheaded by Rob Almond, CEO of NEST, STAC brings together national advocates from diverse industries who contribute their resources, knowledge and networks to elevate skilled trades, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial and construction, as high-paying, honorable and essential career paths. STAC’s mission is to build renewed respect for these vital careers, attract more individuals to pursue trades and support a sustainable workforce. To learn more, visit skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com or follow STAC on LinkedIn.