Sturbridge, MA – If you’ve ever worked for or with Skilled Trades Partners, it’s no surprise that they’re always out in the community working hard to better the lives of skilled tradesmen, construction professionals, and vocational students. This year – they’ve taken that to a whole new level.
Bridging the Skills Gap with Rock the Voc
The skills gap has been a serious issue in the construction industry since the recession in 2008, and the team at Skilled Trades Partners has witnessed it first hand. With that, the company decided to make a major impact by improving the experiential learning opportunities at vocational schools throughout New England with a donation of $1,000 worth of brand new tools for students in carpentry and electrical programs with their new initiative, Rock the Voc.
Rock the Voc’s First Recipient
The first recipient of the Rock the Voc initiative was the carpentry and electrical shop at Tantasqua Regional High School.
In March of 2024, several members of the STP team set out to hand deliver the new tools to students and to speak with them about their goals for the future while they were there.
Tools Donated to Tantasqua Students
STP bought the highest quality and most needed tools for the students, which included circuit tracers, screwdrivers, t-shape hex key sets, hole dozers, wrenches, Home Depot buckets and more.
When the tools were delivered, the Tantasqua students were ecstatic. They expressed that the tools in their shop were due for an update, and they were so happy that STP was able to provide them just that.
Supporting Aspiring Women in Construction
One of the team’s favorite parts about delivering the tools to the students at Tantaqua was that it was during National Women in Construction week, and the women of STP had the chance to network with the female students and show them how important it is for women to be in the construction industry.
Apply to Be Recipient of Rock the Voc
STP is looking for their next recipient for Rock the Voc – and it could be your school next! Visit the Rock the Voc page to learn more about the program, to apply or to nominate a New England vocational school in need.