The Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC) has launched a national contest offering $20,000 in tools and equipment to support schools, businesses and organizations helping Americans pursue careers in the skilled trades. The STAC Skilled Trades Champions contest will award two winners $10,000 each in gift cards to a national tool supplier selected by STAC. Applications are open through Jan. 7, 2027.
The competition is open to teachers, schools, training programs, small businesses, community organizations and individual mentors creating pathways into skilled trades careers. Applicants must identify a U.S.-based school, business or organization that will receive the award.
“Across the country, teachers, mentors and business owners are helping people discover careers in the skilled trades,” says 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.”
Applicants must submit a video of 90 seconds or less describing their work and explaining how $10,000 in tools and equipment could expand their impact. Video production quality will not factor into judging, and entries are limited to one per receiving organization.
A panel of STAC founding advisors will evaluate submissions based on demonstrated impact, the feasibility of proposed equipment purchases and the potential to reach more future tradespeople.
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Jan. 7. Potential winners are expected to be notified around Jan. 29, with awards anticipated by Feb. 19.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the U.S. or D.C. Those applying on behalf of an organization must be authorized representatives.
For application details and official contest rules, visit skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com.
