DEWALT Welcomes Pennsylvania College of Technology Students to Headquarters Following ABC Construction Management Competition Victory
In a meaningful demonstration of its continued support for skilled trades and future professionals, DEWALT, the flagship brand under Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) and a recognized leader in comprehensive jobsite solutions, recently opened the doors of its global headquarters in Towson, Maryland to host a group of exceptional students. These students—hailing from Pennsylvania College of Technology—earned their visit by winning the prestigious Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Construction Management Competition, an event that highlights the nation’s brightest up-and-coming talent in construction education and project management.
This immersive experience at DEWALT’s headquarters was more than a simple tour—it was a curated, hands-on learning opportunity and a celebration of the next generation of construction leaders. The event served as a platform for the students to not only engage with DEWALT’s technologies but to interact with experts who are actively shaping the landscape of modern construction. It reinforced DEWALT’s mission to elevate and empower skilled trades through investments in education, real-world exposure, and strategic industry partnerships.
A Behind-the-Scenes Experience in Innovation
Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by DEWALT’s executive and product teams for a comprehensive visit that included exclusive access to the brand’s research and development laboratories, the Customer Experience and Innovation Center, and various hands-on demo stations. These interactions were carefully designed to give participants a multi-faceted view of the construction industry—from the development of state-of-the-art tools to the way customer feedback shapes product design.
Throughout the visit, students engaged in dynamic demonstrations of DEWALT’s newest and most advanced technologies. These included intelligent power tools, battery innovations, and connected jobsite systems that reflect how digital transformation is revolutionizing construction efficiency, safety, and quality. In addition, the students learned how DEWALT’s engineers and product managers use user-centered design, data analytics, and field testing to solve real-world problems faced by contractors and construction crews every day.
“This was an incredible opportunity to bridge the gap between the classroom and the jobsite,” said James Oh, President and General Manager of DEWALT, who met with the students during their visit. “The construction industry is undergoing rapid change, and we believe it’s our responsibility to give students the tools, insights, and mentorship needed to prepare for that transformation. Events like this aren’t just about recognizing success—they’re about preparing these future professionals for long-term, impactful careers.”
A Vital Mission: Growing the Trades
DEWALT’s invitation to the student champions aligns with the company’s broader workforce development strategy, embodied in its “Grow the Trades” initiative. Launched with a $30 million commitment over five years, this initiative is a cornerstone of DEWALT’s mission to support vocational education, bridge workforce gaps, and promote the trades as a viable and fulfilling career path. By investing in technical education, scholarship programs, trade school infrastructure, and strategic nonprofit partnerships, DEWALT aims to create real pipelines into construction and manufacturing careers.
According to recent survey data released by DEWALT—entitled the Gen Z in the Trades study—students pursuing the trades continue to face substantial barriers in their career journeys. Among the 225 students surveyed (aged 14 to 18), 39% cited a lack of access to networking opportunities and hands-on experience as major hurdles in securing apprenticeships or employment in the trades. These findings highlight the urgent need for companies like DEWALT to not only supply tools but to also serve as mentors, educators, and advocates for the future of the workforce.
DEWALT’s headquarters visit was tailored with these insights in mind. “We want students to see what’s possible—not just in terms of tools, but in terms of careers,” Oh emphasized. “Whether they’re interested in project management, product design, engineering, or on-site construction, we want them to know that there’s a future for them and that DEWALT is invested in helping them get there.”
Empowering Construction Leaders of Tomorrow
The students visiting DEWALT represented the 2024 Student Chapter of the Year, awarded to Pennsylvania College of Technology by ABC. Their victory in the Construction Management Competition was the result of months of hard work, technical learning, and teamwork. The competition itself simulates the planning and execution of a large-scale construction project, testing students on budgeting, scheduling, safety, quality control, and presentation skills.
For the student team, the opportunity to visit DEWALT was more than just recognition—it was a springboard for future career ambitions. Students interacted with DEWALT professionals across departments, from mechanical and electrical engineering to user experience and marketing. These conversations gave them a holistic understanding of how various roles contribute to product development and jobsite innovation. Many described the experience as both inspiring and eye-opening.
“Colleges and universities like Pennsylvania College of Technology are essential to the construction industry’s future,” said Haley Moyers, Director of Workforce Programs and Initiatives at ABC. “By giving students access to real-life projects, high-impact experiences, and industry leaders, we’re equipping them to succeed not only in the classroom but also in the field. DEWALT’s investment in these young professionals underscores their leadership and commitment to workforce development in the trades.”
Moyers added that the ABC Construction Management Competition serves a dual purpose—assessing student skills while exposing them to the kinds of collaborative, high-pressure scenarios they’ll face in real-world jobs. “It’s more than just a contest; it’s a reflection of what the future demands.”
The Broader Industry Challenge: Filling the Skills Gap
DEWALT’s recent engagements come at a time when the construction and manufacturing industries are facing a significant labor shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than half a million construction jobs will need to be filled each year to meet demand, driven by infrastructure investments, housing needs, and generational retirements.
Unfortunately, the skilled labor pool is not growing at a fast enough rate to meet this challenge. Traditional perceptions of trade careers, a decline in shop and technical education programs, and limited early exposure have all contributed to a shrinking pipeline of talent.
To address this, DEWALT’s Grow the Trades initiative partners with nonprofit organizations, vocational institutions, and community colleges to elevate awareness and increase access to trade programs. Scholarships, tool donations, mentorships, and immersive internships are among the many avenues through which DEWALT supports the next generation of builders.
During the headquarters visit, students learned about some of these initiatives and how they could benefit from them. Several expressed interest in applying for DEWALT-supported apprenticeships or returning for future internship opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Building Futures Together
The students’ visit to DEWALT’s headquarters wasn’t just a reward for a competition well won—it was a statement of belief in what’s possible when industry leaders and educators work hand in hand. By blending immersive education with authentic connection, DEWALT is helping to shift the narrative about what it means to be a professional in the skilled trades.
As the construction industry continues to adopt new technologies—such as automation, green building practices, and integrated project delivery systems—the need for agile, well-educated professionals will only grow. Programs like Grow the Trades ensure that students entering the workforce are not only ready to meet those challenges but are excited to lead.
In the words of one student attendee: “This experience gave me a completely new perspective on the industry. It’s not just about swinging a hammer anymore—it’s about innovation, leadership, and creating a sustainable future. DEWALT helped me see that.”
About DEWALT
DEWALT, a brand of Stanley Black & Decker, has been a leader in the power tools and construction solutions market for nearly a century. Known for its durability, precision, and jobsite innovation, DEWALT supports professionals across the globe with tools, batteries, storage systems, and digital solutions designed to improve performance and productivity.
Through corporate initiatives like Grow the Trades, DEWALT is leading the charge in shaping the future of skilled labor, empowering students and professionals with resources, training, and support.
About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total jobsite solutions. For more than 100 years, DEWALT has been powering the future of construction with tools and technologies that have been designed, built and tested to help deliver safety and productivity on every jobsite. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.
