Home Depot Launches Training Program to Help Ease Region’s Labor Shortage

Southern California is currently experiencing a serious skilled construction labor shortage, according to the Home Builders Institute (HBI) Fall 2021 Construction Labor Market Report.

In response, Home Depot, which operates a store in Pasadena at 2881 East Walnut St., has launched a program offering job training as a solution to the problem.

With its Path to Pro skills program across California, Home Depot hopes to be able to help the construction industry by encouraging potential employees to train and start a career in the skilled trades.

“The Path to Pro skills program is designed to help participants land a job,” Jenna Arca, Director of Workforce Development at Home Depot, said in a report by Patch. “After you complete all the requirements, you’ll get an invitation to create your profile in The Home Depot’s Path to Pro Network – our online networking tool – that provides potential California employers access to candidate credentials and jobseekers exclusive access to open roles, allowing you to connect directly with Home Depot Pro customers looking for skilled hires in California.”

The Path to Pro program offers virtual lessons and is open to anyone who’s 18 years old or older. All an applicant needs to is a valid driver’s license, and no previous construction is required.

Program participants must also have a computer with reliable internet access, since the lessons will be online.

If you are seeking career opportunities in Los Angeles or San Diego, Phoenix, Arizona, or in Georgia, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey or Philadelphia, you can register for the program online through www.pathtopro.com/Free-Training.

Path to Pro focuses on creating a platform for people who want to grow their expertise in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. It also teaches the basics of the residential remodeling industry, Arca said.

Home Depot says there are currently over 300,000 open in the skilled trades.

The training, Home Depot said, will allow participants to learn the safety standards and best practices in their trade, help them assess their career options, and decide on the job that’s best for them. Lessons also include learning how to grow in the field of your choice, and job application and resume tips to help course finishers to navigate interviews.

“After you complete all the requirements, you’ll get an invitation to create your profile in The Home Depot’s Path to Pro Network – our online networking tool – that provides potential California employers access to candidate credentials and jobseekers exclusive access to open roles, allowing you to connect directly with Home Depot Pro customers looking for skilled hires in California,” Arca said.

Throughout California, 46 percent of contractors say they are currently experiencing project delays due to labor shortages, the 2021 Workforce Survey showed.

People who are interested in the Path to Pro program can register through www.PathtoPro.com/Free-Training.

Pasadena has one Home Depot outlet, located at 2881 E. Walnut Street. For more information, visit www.homedepot.com/l/Pasadena-CA/CA/Pasadena/91107/6037.