By the time you read this we will just be a few days away from the start of the 2026 World Cup. Out of mild curiosity I had a look back to the June 2022 issue of this magazine to see if I had referenced the tournament at all on this page. I’m sorry to say I did not – but then even my faintest interest in football did not get off the ground until Euro 2024 – it’s amazing what the possibility of winning a sweepstake can do, although sadly my plucky Albanian team didn’t come through for me in the end.

With varying kick-off times, and subsequently extended opening hours for the UK’s pubs, not to mention the numerous ‘Fan Parks’ dotted around the country, the World Cup is expected to trigger an unprecedented, simultaneous surge in residential and commercial power consumption. It also serves as a timely reminder of how the UK’s electrical trade is one of the essential engines behind modern entertainment and infrastructure. Just imagine the scenario if there was a power cut during a penalty shoot-out – it would be worse than when our Wi-Fi service goes down!

For many of us, sport and other forms of entertainment and leisure are a vital way to have something different to focus on outside of work. Some people might enjoy their work while for others it is something they must endure in order to pay the bills and put food on the table – but rarely is a job easy or stress-free every single day. Whether it’s watching a football match, going to the theatre or a taking a walk in the countryside, we all need that ‘escape’ on a regular basis to clear our heads and take a mental breather.

I am writing this column during Mental Health Awareness Week (11th-17th May 2026), which offers an important opportunity for the UK’s electrical industry to confront a challenge that has too often remained hidden behind hard hats, deadlines and long shifts.

However, attitudes are beginning to change. Across the UK construction and electrical sectors, more employers are recognising that mental health deserves the same attention as physical safety. Toolbox talks now increasingly include conversations around wellbeing, while training organisations are encouraging managers to identify signs of burnout, depression and stress before problems escalate.

A safer industry is not only one with fewer accidents, but one where people feel supported, valued and able to speak openly when they need help.

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

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Welcome to the April issue of PEW. News headlines are dominated at the moment by wars and conflicts, whether it’s Russia- Ukraine, Gaza, or the wider Middle East region. Without getting bogged down in the politics – that’s for other channels – I’m sure we can all agree that war is a bad thing, more so for the people directly affected by it but also for the knock-on effects on the global economy.

Wars throughout history have been extensively covered by film and TV, and future catastrophic disasters are also depicted with varying causes and themes – I’m talking about the likes of The Day After Tomorrow, Greenland, Armageddon and The War of the Worlds. Many such films include storylines in which world leaders, scientists or other important figures are hidden away and protected in underground bunkers or secret bases (well apart from Bill Pullman’s President fighting the aliens in Independence Day). It got me thinking, who would be top of the UK’s list for protection should the end of the world become imminent. The Prime Minister and the reigning monarch are top of the list, whatever your views on them they are a given – some other politicians and royal figures might find themselves left behind! Moving on to trades, you have your key workers, in the medical field, food production and law enforcement among others. As much as I’d like to put myself forward as future editor of Nuclear Bunker Monthly, I feel print journalism might be a bit further down the pecking order. You want your bunker’s services to run smoothly and it to remain structurally sound, so construction professionals are of course a shoo-in.

In fact, tradespeople are sought-after in general anyway, without any national disaster. New research from welding specialist Tadweld has revealed the UK’s highest-earning trades for 2026, with bricklayers, carpenters and plumbers all in the top 20 – and electricians proudly top of the pile. It’s no secret that demand for electricians is booming. Between EV chargers, solar installs, battery storage and the general push toward electrification, there’s more work around than ever. The problem? Not enough people to do it. Contractors across the UK are still struggling to recruit qualified electricians, and many believe the industry needs a stronger pipeline of apprentices to keep up with future demand.

Scotland’s largest construction trade body, SELECT, has recently criticised the UK and Scottish governments for policies it says will undermine the electrical workforce of the future, with rising apprentice wages and decreasing financial support for taking on apprentices causing major concern. If the industry can’t bring enough new talent through the ranks, the skills gap could become the biggest challenge facing the electrical trade over the next decade.

One thing’s certain: the sparks are definitely flying in the sector right now.

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe
Editor

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

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Nicki Hickman, Marketing Manager for Hardware at Hultafors Group UK, explains why electricians are reconsidering the balance between price and quality when it comes to the tools they rely on every day.

When speaking to electrical wholesalers, there’s a conversation I have time and time again. It usually starts with price but ends up at quality. Electricians are under mounting pressure to work efficiently and cost-effectively, while wholesalers are having to address customer expectations by offering a wide range of products that suit different needs, at various price points.

Somewhere in the middle sits a familiar dilemma: is it better to buy cheaper tools more often, or invest in tools that cost more but last longer? This isn’t a new question, but the answer is changing.

Price alone rarely tells the full story

When electricians choose tools, the initial price is often the easiest metric to compare but price rarely reflects performance. Professional tools aren’t just used occasionally; they’re used all day, every day. They’re dropped, exposed to harsh conditions, and pushed to their limits. When a tool fails, it doesn’t just need replacing, it costs time and can even compromise safety.

That’s why when we talk about value at Hultafors, we look beyond the price. Tools that allow a job to be completed faster and with better precision justify their cost. The old saying “buy cheap, buy twice” still holds true for professional use.

Not every tool warrants the same investment

Tool buying decisions are rarely black and white. Like all trades, electricians prioritise different tools depending on how often they’re used and how critical they are to the job.

Some tools are used constantly, and others more occasionally. That’s why we focus on delivering the best possible tools within the categories we specialise in, rather than producing mass-market ranges. This gives electricians and wholesalers the flexibility to choose where to invest without compromising on performance where it matters most.

Designing tools fit for site

Besides durability, one defining difference between premium tools and cheaper alternatives is the attention to details that put the users’ needs first.

We develop our tools by working closely with professional users and designing them to withstand demanding environments. Hultafors has strong Nordic roots, meaning many products are tested in harsher conditions than UK sites are typically exposed to. For example, Hultafors Molded-Base Backpacks are tested to withstand extreme temperatures of up to -40°C and undergo extensive drop and load testing to ensure they remain reliable under heavy use.

This isn’t about testing to extremes for the sake of it. It’s about giving electricians confidence that their tools will perform consistently, job after job.

The wholesaler’s role

For electrical wholesalers, navigating the price-versus-quality discussion can be challenging, especially when customers arrive with a fixed budget. The best conversations start with questions, not assumptions.

Electricians all work differently. Some may be looking to upgrade a tool they use constantly, but others may be open to trying something new if it solves a specific problem. Where wholesalers can add real value is by understanding those needs and introducing tools that genuinely offer something different – not just another version of what’s already on the shelf.

Education is key, too. Whether though product demonstrations, in-store displays, open days or confident sales staff, giving electricians the chance to handle tools makes a real difference. Once a professional uses a well-designed tool, the value becomes immediately clear.

Everyday tools, thoughtfully improved

Innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel. Often, it’s about taking everyday toolbox staples and improving them in ways that make life on site easier.

For electricians constantly moving between jobs, our Backpacks are a great example. Designed for mobility, they offer organised storage for hand tools alongside protected space for diagnostic equipment or laptops. We offer a soft body model and one with a molded base, allowing electricians to choose what best suits their working environment.

Knives are another area where small design changes have a noticeable impact. Many electricians use general purpose utility knives, but purpose-built alternatives such as the Hultafors Electrician’s Knife feature a handle and sharpened blade edges that have been specifically designed and optimised for cable stripping, allowing for more precise, controlled work.

The same thinking applies to hammers and measuring equipment. Hultafors Electrician’s Hammers are light and well-balanced. The U-shaped striking face is particularly useful in confined spaces such as ceilings and corners, helping to avoid leaving marks on surrounding surfaces. Additionally, the newer TR EL model also features a vibration-dampening plug that reduces impact.

The Talmeter combines measuring and marking into one tool, helping reduce steps and minimise errors. With built-in etching functions and a diameter measurement scale on the reverse of the tape, this handy, pocket-sized tool has become an iconic must-have for those in the know.

Even a simple marker pencil benefits from thoughtful design. The Hultafors Dry Marker stays clipped securely, features an integrated sharpener that can be used without having to remove the holster, works well in wet conditions and the uniquely shaped design means it doesn’t roll away when placed down.

Rethinking long-term value

Cost pressures remain a reality for the electrical trade, but we’re seeing a shift in how professionals think about hand tools. While concerns about theft affect investment in power tools, many electricians are choosing to spend a little more on the hand tools they rely on every day.

For wholesalers, supporting that shift means moving the conversation beyond price alone. The quality, durability and functionality of a tool translate into real benefits, making it easier to demonstrate why some tools are worth the investment.

Ultimately, the price-versus-quality dilemma isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about recognising where added value makes a difference and making informed decisions that support productivity and long-term performance.

For further details, click here

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The latest ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ has found that the electrical trade faces the most severe deficit across all sectors analysed, with a 227:1 ratio representing a gap of just over 9,600 unfilled positions.

The research, created by power tool accessories specialist DART Tool Group, analysed data from the Department for Education, the Office of National Statistics (ONS), and job board site Reed across six UK trade sectors, revealing where the skills crisis is most severe, why training pathways are under strain, and what strategic actions employers can take to strengthen their future workforce.

Across all trades analysed, there are just 809 apprenticeship openings to fill over 86,000 current job vacancies, a ratio of 106 jobs competing for every single apprenticeship place.

Hardest hit within the electrical sector are in Electrical Building Services, with 281 job openings for every one apprentice that qualifies.

Although apprenticeship starts have grown 35% since 2021/2022, low completion rates of just 26% in the past year mean the surge in interest has not yet converted into the skilled workforce needed, leaving a persistent gap between demand and supply.

A similar pattern follows Electrical Engineering roles, which had 256 vacancies per apprentice completer, and starts declining year-on-year by 33%. However, completion rates are somewhat higher, with 50% of apprentices completing their programmes in the last year.

Installation & Maintenance Electricians face a smaller deficit at 77:1, but starts have declined year-on-year by 11% and completion rates for the 2024/2025 intake remain modest at 39%.

While broadly defined Electrician positions have fewer jobs per apprentice opening (63:1), starts overall have dropped 16% year-on-year, coupled with persistently low completion rates. Combined, this indicates the trade is persistently facing limited interest and uptake, which may threaten the skilled pipeline.

Ryan Paterson, Managing Director at DART Tool Group, commented: “The findings from our ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ have demonstrated that, with a stronger, more effective apprenticeship system and active encouragement and promotion of trade industry jobs, the risk of a widening skills gap can be reduced.

“The UK’s electrical sector is facing some of the toughest shortages in recent years, with our data finding a deficit of 227:1. By partnering with local colleges, addressing misconceptions about trade roles, and providing flexible on-site learning, businesses can gradually fill the positions needed to meet the ambitious housebuilding targets.”

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Welcome to the December issue of PEW. As another year hurtles towards its conclusion I am writing this at home while my early Christmas present – a new bathroom – is fitted. As I occasionally wander from office to kitchen, passing said bathroom and checking the installers are OK for drinks, I try and steal a moment and observe them going about their craft with meticulous pride. It rekindles memories of WorldSkillsUK events I have attended in the past.

WorldSkills supports young people across the world via competitions based training, assessment and benchmarking, with members’ national teams ultimately testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills olympics’. The UK National Finals took place in November this year at various locations across Wales and while I could not attend this time around my role as a trade journalist has given me opportunity in the past to speak with WorldSkills finalists and champions. As I alluded to earlier, there is something magically mesmerising about watching professionals go about their chosen trade, whether it’s aircraft maintenance or graphic design, culinary arts or hairdressing, and feeling their passion (and competitiveness) shine through at these events is inspiring to witness.

While I am championing young people and their various trades, however, it would appear that electrical apprenticeships require a boost, as the latest ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ (Industry News) has found that the electrical trade faces the most severe deficit across all sectors analysed, with a 227:1 ratio representing a gap of just over 9,600 unfilled positions. This of course adds to the problem of the widening skills gap and the industry as a whole has work to do in 2026 to promote trade industry jobs in the electrotechnical sector if we are to establish a workforce sufficiently equipped for the years ahead.

Let’s end the year on a positive and celebrate the work of you – the wholesaler. Christmas is a pivotal time for this sector, as demand surges not just for decorative lighting but also for the infrastructure that keeps commercial spaces running through extended trading hours. Contractors rush to complete last-minute projects, and wholesalers must balance festive goodwill with the logistics of tight supply chains, fluctuating demand and staff holidays.

So, as the lights go up across towns and cities this December, we raise a glass of mulled wine to the wholesalers keeping the current flowing. Your work may be behind the scenes, but without you Christmas simply wouldn’t shine as brightly.

See you next year!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe
Editor

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

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Supplying the products that the electrical trade needs and wants is the first rule of good customer service and will help foster customer loyalty. Here, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita explains why stocking the correct range of cordless tools is a wise investment and outlines the features and technologies that will benefit customers.

It is no secret that cordless tools have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to corded tools. With more tradespeople looking for new ways to tackle construction tasks more efficiently, many are adopting cordless kit and for wholesalers looking to ensure their range meets demand and continues to deliver real value to their customers, this category presents a huge opportunity for revenue.

Key benefits

For the end user, there are several key benefits to eliminating the need for power cables. Firstly, it allows greater freedom of movement and flexibility as cordless tools can be used anywhere with no restrictions based on where a power source is located and no cables getting in the way. This in turn allows electricians and electrical contractors to work far more effectively in awkward or confined spaces. This also enables improved productivity as there is no time wasted finding the nearest power source – users can get straight to work and move from one task to another quicker. There is also a safety benefit to using cordless tools as it eliminates a potential trip hazard in the form of trailing cables and saves the setup time of routing the cables safely in the work area.

However, these advantages are only part of the story. The surge in the popularity of cordless is also due to the advances in tool and battery technologies that have increased both the performance and the runtime per battery charge. Cordless tools can now match the performance of corded equivalents for a wide range of applications, including some of the most demanding tasks. This is something that should be highlighted to customers who are seeking advice on the best tool for the job.

This improvement in performance is particularly true for products that feature brushless motors. In contrast to a conventional brushed motor that relies on contact between the brushes and motor coil, brushless motors use electromagnetism to rotate the motor and drive the action of the tool, eliminating friction and wasted energy. As a result, a brushless motor can produce more torque, allowing the same results to be achieved with less power used, which can extend run times by up to 50% per battery charge. This offers a significant benefit to customers in terms of improved productivity and less frequent recharging. Brushless motors also require less maintenance as there is no need to replace brushes and as it generates less heat, the life of the tool can be extended by reducing repeated temperature cycles.

Choosing the right range

As with any category of product, the cordless tool ranges offered by different manufacturers can vary significantly in terms of performance, features and benefits so choosing which to stock is an important decision.

There are benefits to both the customer and the wholesaler of choosing a manufacturer that can offer a single battery system for a broad range of cordless tools. For example, Makita has two main battery systems for trade professionals. The 18V LXT battery system, which is compatible with more than 325 different products and the 40VMax XGT system, designed specifically for the highest demand applications, which currently has over 125 products in its range.

For end users, the ability to interchange between tools such as drills and drivers to saws to lighting to specialist tools like drywall cutters to tackle different tasks seamlessly with one battery is a strong sales message. The battery can simply be moved from one to the other in seconds. Once invested into the battery platform system, these customers will remain loyal to the brand family, again opening up ongoing revenue streams as they increase their cordless tool supply.

For wholesalers, a single battery system means a leaner inventory as fewer different battery and charger types need to be stocked. It also makes it simpler for branch staff to not only manage but also and requires far less information to digest regarding battery technology, so in turn, they can offer customers more detailed insight into the features and technologies to support them in making an informed purchase decision. It also gives wholesalers more scope to stock body only products – tools supplied without the batteries – allowing them to offer customers a valuable cost-saving option.

Finally, when choosing which products to stock, consider manufacturers that offer a wide range of cordless machines within a single battery platform. Taking this approach means that wholesalers and distributors can simplify their stocked range with less SKUs from different manufacturers to learn. With a more rationalised range, customer account teams can provide more detailed insight and support to buyers in their purchase journey. What’s more, by ‘buying into’ a battery system, electricians will remain loyal to the brand family, opening up ongoing revenue streams as they increase their cordless tool supply.

The importance of genuine batteries

A key aspect of stocking cordless, is ensuring a reliable range of additional and replacement batteries. It is important that tools are only used with genuine batteries produced by the manufacturer and wholesalers are ideally placed to warn customers about the risk of using non-genuine and counterfeit batteries. By positioning themselves as a reliable source of high-quality genuine batteries, stockists can prevent losing business to mass-market online marketplaces. For its part, Makita always recommends that professionals only source from reputable retailers such as trusted wholesalers.

Should a customer ever be tempted to apply a third-party battery to their tools, there are a range of hazards and issues that should be highlighted to them. In addition to poorer performance and the invalidation of manufacturer warranties, there are serious safety risks to using non-approved batteries. Often these batteries will not have undergone the rigorous testing that genuine batteries do. With low quality, untested products there is a real danger of thermal runaway occurring, which can lead to the battery overheating, catching fire or even, in the worst cases, exploding.

Furthermore, replica batteries will not include the safety features that leading tool manufacturers build into their batteries. This includes technology that allows the tools, batteries and chargers to communicate with each other to prevent damage. For example, this communication can allow the battery temperature to be automatically relayed to the charger when it is connected, allowing it to be cooled if necessary before charging begins to avoid overheating.

Manufacturer support

As always, it’s important to make sure you have the appropriate product knowledge to guide customers and to make recommendations that increases potential basket value. To this end, working with an industry-leading manufacturer that has a wide sales support network which can offer flexible product training is ideal. Makita has regular training programmes and four UK training and service facilities, to keep wholesale partners fully updated on new products in its range and its technologies, which can be a beneficial resource to provide further value and care for your client base.

The benefits of cordless technology, combined with the continually expanding range of tools available, means that there are clear business advantages to offering the correct range from a leading manufacturer.

For further information about the Makita cordless range, click here

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Brinley Buckley-Roberts, Head of Marketing at C.K Tools, discusses how the EV revolution is placing a spotlight on the electrical trade. The rise of the electric vehicle (EV) is well and truly upon us, as electric and hybrid car sales hit a global record in 2024.

The UK Government has demonstrated its commitment to establishing a robust, accessible, commercial, domestic and geographically abundant charging infrastructure – dedicating hundreds of millions of pounds of funding to support the delivery of thousands of charge points across England to facilitate the mass consumer adoption of EV.

But as the EV revolution continues to gain momentum, how will the electrical sector handle one of the biggest spotlights it has ever experienced? Designers, specifiers and installers will all have roles to play as they are tasked with the challenge of EV charger installation with the pre-wiring, upgrades, maintenance and not to mention repairs of the growing number of chargers up and down the country.

And so, change is well underway in the electrical trade. Universities and colleges nationwide are offering courses in electric vehicle engineering and maintenance. A skills-led green labour market will soon be upon us. There will be no shortage of demand for installers, with a great opportunity to either switch career focus or supplement the existing workload.

But how do electrical wholesalers ensure installers have the equipment they need to do their job? What tools and accessories? How does it differ from a standard electrician’s or electrical contractor’s kit?

The Institution of Engineering and Technology has launched its own code of practice to provide a clear directive on the considerations and mandatories for every type of EV charger equipment installation, in line with the very latest amendment to BS7671. While a tight code of practice (as you would expect), there is no specific requirement for new tools or accessories that aren’t readily available to the everyday electrician, more a requirement of specific tools and accessories to use.

Clarity, comfort and control

As we do with most of our product research and development here at C.K Tools, we spent time with our panel of electricians and installers to develop tools and kits specific for this job, to ensure clarity, comfort, control and efficiency on every job. As a result, we have assembled two high quality EV specific kits for both existing and newly qualified installers – an EV Hand Tool Kit and EV Power Tools Accessories (PTA) Kit. Combined they provide an easy one-stop-shop for any installer.

The C.K EV Hand Tool Kit (T5984) is a collection of premium hand tools that provide everything needed to get the job done efficiently and professionally. It includes a state-of-the-art C.K Magma Technician’s Wheeled Case packed full of 52 premium hand tools designed to complete the stages of: inspection and quotation; routing the cable from MCB to charger; mounting the charge point; fitting the cable to the charger point; terminating to MCB; fitting an earthing rod; and re-assembling the charge point.

The C.K PTA Kit (T5985) – which can be purchased separately – provides a great range of power tool accessories including quality drill bits, driver bits and hole saws to help complete the installation for EV chargers with the minimum of fuss.

The C.K EV specific kits offer everything needed to complete the steps involved to complete an installation efficiently and professionally.

As the proliferation of EV continues and growing demand for charging points is set to scale up dramatically over the next decade, the impact on the skill, capabilities, qualifications and accompanying tool kits of the EV charge equipment installer may also change.

As a business that has been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing for more than 100 years and is passionate about driving product innovation to equip electricians with the tools they need to do their job effectively, we will continue to support our retail partners and the electrical trade as they navigate one of the biggest demands and opportunities in history on its workforce.

For more information, click here

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Nicole Juday, Executive Director and Board Chair for the IDEAL Industries Foundation, explains why it’s vital to give back to the people and communities which support your business.

2022 was a landmark year for IDEAL Industries. We celebrated our 30th anniversary in the UK and, in the US, I endeavoured to continue the great work carried out by the IDEAL Industries Foundation, by determining how we can help the people and groups which have unswervingly supported us throughout the years. The first 11 months of the year culminated in us donating a staggering $385,000 across a range of good causes in a bid to affect positive changes for minority groups within our industry. These activities cemented our long established reputation as a progressive, sustainable organisation that operates to the highest ethical standards.

Introducing the IDEAL Industries Foundation

The organisation was established in 1985 by former CEO and Board Chair Dave Juday with the aim of giving back to the community and building on our Founder J. Walter Becker’s belief in the importance of strong relationships in business. As a result of this ethos, the foundation has distributed corporate philanthropy and will continue its great work thanks to a legacy bequest made by two Juday family members in 2014.

At the foundation, we pride ourselves on funding innovative initiatives that train and support women and people of colour to enter and stay in the typically male dominated electrical trade. According to career expert website Zippia, of the 465,873 electricians currently employed in the United States, just 4.4% of all electricians are women, while 95.6% are men.

By encouraging these traditionally underrepresented groups to participate in and diversify the electrical industry, the foundation helps address current and future workforce shortages, while strengthening the long term inclusivity of our sector and all that it has to offer.

This is because careers in the trades offer workers without a college degree one of the best opportunities to build wealth and often own their own businesses. At the IDEAL Industries Foundation, we want everyone to benefit from the vast range of well paid and rewarding career opportunities that are available in this industry.

We believe that by creating a caring culture we can make a significant difference to the equity and prosperity of our communities. To that end, we’re proud to support seven long standing non-profit organisations that provide services such as pathways out of homelessness, advocacy for children, affordable daycare, food security and various social and mental health services. They include:

• Dekalb County Youth Service Bureau
• Safe Passage
• Family Service Agency
• Kishwaukee Family YMCA
• Hope Haven of Dekalb County
• Dekalb co. Community Gardens
• Adventure works
• CASA

When adequately resourced, these organisations can create a strong community safety net, able to help people get back on their feet when faced with adverse circumstances and hopefully arrive at a place of greater stability and security.

How we supported the Cassandra Banks Foundation

One of our most recent projects saw us award a $50,000 challenge grant to the Cassandra Banks Foundation (CBF), a California based non-profit organisation committed to helping black women excel in non-traditional professions, with an emphasis on the electrical trade. The grant funds will support the CBF’s efforts to raise awareness of the opportunities in the electrical trades, recruit black women into apprenticeship programmes and provide mentorship throughout their journey.

We now look forward to supporting the efforts of the CBF and other organisations which can help break down the various policy, economic and social barriers that contribute to the lack of diversity in the trades. The goal of the challenge grant is to increase funding for future programmes and leverage additional donor support from private sectors, which is a proven strategy for long term financial success.

Further causes we have championed

In 2022, the foundation supported Chicago Women in the Trades, a pre-apprentice programme for women going into the construction industry, as well as ANEW, a programme that provides diversity and inclusion training for the construction industry.

The foundation has also recently created a tool donation programme that focuses on supplying tools to pre-apprenticeship electrical training centres that serve diverse audiences. A recent donation was made to the Lake St. Works pre-apprenticeship programme, which was opened in South Minneapolis in the wake of the George Floyd killing to provide pathways into the construction industry for underrepresented groups.

The foundation’s overall mission is underpinned by IDEAL Industries’ core values, which encompass believing in people, showing a commitment to excellence, building strong relationships, being transparent in business and creating long term value and sustainability.

To conclude

The skilled trades have been a pathway to economic opportunity since IDEAL Industries was started over 100 years ago in 1916. Today, we want to ensure that these highly skilled and well paying jobs are accessible to everyone. The IDEAL Industries Foundation believes that investing back into our communities – whether geographic areas where we do business or the tradespeople who use our products – is the best way to demonstrate that we care about the people who have contributed to our success as a company.

For more information, click here

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