PulteGroup Extends Build Your Future Scholarship in 2026 To Fuel the Future of the Homebuilding WorkforceFeb 4, 2026 10:11 AM Eastern Standard Time# PulteGroup Extends Build Your Future Scholarship in 2026 To Fuel the Future of the Homebuilding WorkforceShare---ATLANTA--([BUSINESS WIRE])-- PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), the nation's third-largest homebuilder, has renewed its investment in scholarships of $3,000-$5,000 for individuals pursuing career paths related to residential homebuilding. This renewal rei ...

Core Insights - Carhartt, a 137-year-old workwear manufacturer, faces challenges due to the decline of blue-collar jobs, which are essential for its sales of hoodies and jackets [1] Company Initiatives - Carhartt CEO Linda Hubbard emphasizes the undervaluation of skilled trades and the difficulty in accessing these jobs, highlighting the need for workforce development [2] - A strategic partnership has been formed between Carhartt and Ford, which includes the launch of a Carhartt-themed Ford Super Duty truck in 2027, apparel supporting skilled trades, and initiatives for workforce development and community building [3][4] Economic Context - The "essential economy," as defined by Ford CEO Jim Farley, includes critical sectors such as construction, utilities, and manufacturing, contributing $12 trillion to GDP and providing 95 million jobs [5][6] - Labor shortages are prevalent in these industries as older workers retire and younger generations perceive certain jobs as too demanding, compounded by a skills gap exacerbated by the integration of AI technology [7] Workforce Development - A survey indicates that 17.4% of manufacturing companies report worker shortages, with projections suggesting a need to fill 3.8 million manufacturing jobs over the next decade [8] - Ford has committed over $5 million towards workforce development through 2026, establishing 15 Ford Future Builders Labs in Michigan and Tennessee to enhance hands-on learning for K-12 students [9]

Core Insights - The American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a total of $75,000 in grants to two nonprofit organizations to support workforce development in communities served by Pennsylvania American Water [1][3]. Grant Details - The grants are part of the 2025 Workforce Readiness Grants, which focus on career readiness, financial literacy, positive youth development, and life skills training [2][8]. - Central Montco Technical High School received a $25,000 grant for its Hydroponics for Sustainable Food Supply program, which teaches sustainable agriculture practices [5]. - The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry received a $50,000 grant for the Luzerne Learns to Work program, aimed at helping students explore career pathways and connect with local employers [5]. Organizational Impact - The American Water Charitable Foundation emphasizes its commitment to community support through initiatives that provide access to training and skills development for future workforce leaders [3][8]. - Since its establishment in 2012, the Foundation has invested over $20 million in grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in American Water's service areas [8]. Company Overview - American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., serving over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations [4][7]. - Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in Pennsylvania, providing services to approximately 2.4 million people [7].

Core Insights - New Jersey American Water celebrated the graduation of 11 participants from its fifth annual Water Utility Pipeline (Water UP!) program, aimed at workforce development in the water utility sector [1] - The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on field training, and professional development, equipping graduates with OSHA 30 certification and technical elective college credits [1] - Since its launch in 2021, Water UP! has trained over 40 residents across multiple counties, with many securing positions in utilities and construction [1] Company Overview - New Jersey American Water is the largest regulated water utility in New Jersey, serving approximately 2.9 million people with safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services [1] Program Details - The Water UP! program includes immersive training at New Jersey American Water's Short Hills Operations Center, where participants engage in real-world scenarios related to utility mechanics and field services [1] - Graduates expressed increased confidence and understanding of the water industry, emphasizing the program's focus on community service and stewardship [1] Community Impact - Local leaders praised the program for its role in workforce development, highlighting the importance of skilled individuals in the water utility sector [1] - The program aims to strengthen public health and infrastructure while creating meaningful career opportunities for participants [1]

Core Insights - ManpowerGroup has announced a strategic partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges to address the skilled labor shortage in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors [1][2][4] Workforce Development - The collaboration aims to create direct pathways to high-demand careers through specialized training programs that align with real-time employer needs [2][3] - ManpowerGroup will design programs focused on developing talent in AI/ML, engineering, STEM, and technician roles, including industry-recognized certifications and hands-on experience [5][6] Economic Impact - This initiative supports Arizona's vision to become a national hub for semiconductor innovation and manufacturing excellence, complementing efforts tied to the CHIPS and Science Act [7] - The partnership enhances the ability to deliver high-quality, job-aligned training and directly connect learners with careers in semiconductor manufacturing [6][7]

Core Points - Oak Valley Community Bank has received a $150,000 AHEAD grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco to support City Ministry Network's initiatives aimed at empowering Latino youth [1][4] - The grant will enhance the Hispanic Youth Leadership Clubs by introducing a "career ready" curriculum and launching Latino Leadership Circles at local colleges, providing coaching and professional networking opportunities [2][4] - The 2025 AHEAD Program awarded a total of $8 million in grants to 64 projects across Arizona, California, and Nevada, highlighting the demand for local economic development support [4] Company Overview - Oak Valley Community Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp, operating 19 branches across California, offering various loan and deposit products [6] - The bank is committed to community investment and economic development, aligning its mission with the goals of the AHEAD grant program [3][4] Industry Context - The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco plays a crucial role in supporting local lenders and community development initiatives, providing resources that drive economic vitality and affordable housing [8] - The AHEAD grant program is designed to address pressing needs in low- to moderate-income communities, reflecting a broader mission of economic support and community resilience [4][8]

Core Viewpoint - Bank of America is enhancing its commitment to skills-based hiring by planning to hire 10,000 military veterans and 8,000 individuals from community colleges over the next five years, alongside creating 700 new financial center jobs in growth markets [1][2][5] Group 1: Hiring Initiatives - The bank aims to increase military hiring, bringing the total number of veterans hired since 2015 to over 30,000 [3][6] - Bank of America will double its annual hires from community colleges from 800 to 1,600, recognizing their role in preparing skilled talent for the workforce [4] - The hiring initiatives are part of a broader strategy to provide economic opportunities and support workforce development across the country [2][5] Group 2: Workforce Development - The company emphasizes a skills-first approach to hiring, focusing on training and development through its Academy, which offers structured programs and resources for career growth [2][8] - The bank's commitment to workforce development includes hiring individuals without four-year college degrees, military veterans, and community college graduates [2][4] - The Academy provides high-quality training, job coaching, and access to opportunities for employees to advance in their careers [8] Group 3: Local Market Expansion - Bank of America is expanding its financial center network in states like Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, and Wisconsin, creating 700 jobs in these new locations [5][7] - The expansion includes plans for 26 financial center openings over the next 18 months and an additional 37 openings in 2027 [7] - This local market expansion supports the bank's commitment to driving economic growth and creating job opportunities [5]

Core Insights - Carrier Global Corporation is expanding its commitment to developing future HVAC technicians through a collaboration with TechForce Foundation, which includes scholarships, recognition programs, and training initiatives [1][2][3] Group 1: Collaboration and Workforce Development - The partnership with TechForce Foundation aims to address the projected 400,000 HVAC technician job openings in the U.S. over the next decade, driven by retirements and increasing demand for skilled talent [2] - Carrier's TechVantage Initiative plans to hire 1,000 U.S. service technicians and train over 100,000 across its ecosystem, reinforcing its long-term growth strategy and operational resilience [1][2] Group 2: Educational Support and Resources - The collaboration will provide scholarships for financially disadvantaged students in HVAC programs and free access to Carrier's online training resources [6] - More than 70,000 students and working technicians will be engaged through TechForce Foundation's online network, which serves as a resource hub for career exploration, scholarships, and job opportunities [6] Group 3: Industry Recognition - A new HVAC, Homes & Buildings category will be established within the Techs Rock Awards Program to recognize and inspire top technicians in the field [6][4]

Core Insights - The Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) announced the 2025 ACE Awards, recognizing impactful programs that transform workforce development in healthcare [1][2] - AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme (YHP) and Viseven's Expert Communities and Unicorns Recognition Program were honored for their innovative approaches to employee engagement and health equity [1][6] AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme (YHP) - YHP is a global health equity initiative aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and fostering leadership among employees [2] - The program has reached over 20 million young people in more than 40 countries, partnering with over 60 non-profit organizations, including UNICEF [3] - YHP has mobilized 20,000 AstraZeneca employees, contributing nearly 100,000 hours of volunteer service [3] - The initiative has influenced 18 NCD prevention-related policies globally and creates leadership pathways for youth and employees [4] Viseven's Expert Communities and Unicorns Recognition Program - Viseven's program focuses on internal engagement and collaboration, consisting of Expert Communities for professional development and a gamified Unicorns Recognition Program [6][7] - Over 700 employees are engaged in these initiatives, enhancing peer connections and fostering a culture of innovation [8] - The program aims to build a strong internal culture that supports sustainable growth and employee empowerment [10] Event and Recognition - Both AstraZeneca and Viseven will be honored at the 2025 HBA Annual Conference in Las Vegas from September 29 to October 1 [11] - The HBA serves as a global leadership accelerator and talent pipeline for the healthcare industry, impacting nearly six million employees [12]

Core Insights - HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division hosted its third annual educator externship, involving 15 educators from Mississippi Gulf Coast school districts, aimed at strengthening workforce pipelines and aligning education with national defense needs [1][2]. Group 1: Externship Program - The externship program took place from June 9-20 and included facility tours, job shadowing, and discussions with experienced shipbuilders and leadership [2]. - A new feature this year was a virtual welding lab training exercise, allowing educators to learn basic welding techniques in a simulation-based environment [2]. Group 2: Workforce Development Initiatives - Ingalls Shipbuilding is committed to investing in local workforce development through various programs, including the Shipbuilder Academy, technical training in high schools, and partnerships with community colleges [4]. - The company supports enterprise-wide commitments to hands-on apprentice training and collaborations with two- and four-year colleges and universities [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - HII is the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. with over 135 years of history in advancing national security, delivering capabilities from ships to unmanned systems and cyber solutions [8]. - The company has a workforce of 44,000 and is headquartered in Virginia [8].