SkillsUSA has teamed up with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and Carhartt for the “Support the Trades” campaign designed to raise awareness of the skilled trades while helping SkillsUSA close the skilled trades gap. Tractor Supply will be the exclusive retailer of two styles of “Support the Trades” shirts designed by Carhartt, America’s premium workwear brand, to benefit SkillsUSA.

As part of the campaign, Carhartt and TSC have created a new line of “Support the Trades” shirts, and proceeds from every shirt sold will be donated directly to SkillsUSA. Support the Trades shirts are available in Tractor Supply Stores and at TractorSupply.com. Tractor Supply and Carhartt have each committed to a $50,000 maximum donation, totaling $100,000 for SkillsUSA.

“We are thankful to have partners like Tractor Supply and Carhartt that so firmly believe in our mission to build our nation’s next skilled workforce,” said Chelle Travis, executive director at SkillsUSA. “There is a brighter light shining on the skilled trades today. With the ongoing support of our partners, we can empower students to develop the personal, workplace and technical skills to succeed at work and in life.”

“Tractor Supply, Carhartt and SkillsUSA all share a common goal: to equip America’s hardworking tradespeople with everything needed to be successful for Life Out Here, whether it’s training, clothing or equipment,” added Jeff Rietveld, vice president, divisional merchandise manager at Tractor Supply. “As the skilled trades gap widens, it is more important than ever that we work together to develop and support individuals to fill these important roles.”

The United States is facing a rapidly growing shortage of qualified workers in the skilled trades, which include the construction, manufacturing, transportation, service and healthcare sectors. According to Forbes, more than three million trade jobs will remain open in the U.S. by 2028. Further, the Associated Builders and Contractors projects that the demand for construction workers will rise by 1.3 to 2 million jobs by 2023. Additionally, with a quarter of current trade workers expected to retire within the next five years, the number of available positions is expected to far outpace the supply of qualified workers.

“For more than 20 years, Carhartt has been a proud supporter of SkillsUSA and their role in helping thousands of hardworking people find a rewarding path into the skilled trades every year,” said Janet Ries, vice president of marketing at Carhartt. “So, we are proud to partner with our friends at Tractor Supply Company to raise money that will help ensure the future success of America’s workforce.”

To learn more, or to purchase a Support the Trades shirt, visit www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/carhartt. Customers can choose between a charcoal grey long-sleeved t-shirt or a navy short-sleeved t-shirt.