
On Friday, July 26, 2024, the Home Builders Institute (HBI) celebrated the graduation of its students from several BuildStrong Academies, including the summer electrical students in Orlando. The Academies, known for offering tuition-free construction trades training, saw their graduates take a significant step towards their careers with special ceremonies held simultaneously across multiple locations.
The highlight of the events was DEWALT’s generous contribution. As part of their ongoing commitment to support the skilled trades, DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, provided each graduate with essential tool kits. These tools, handed over personally by DEWALT representatives at each location, aim to help the new tradespeople overcome the high initial cost of tools—a barrier identified by 78% of Orlando-based tradespeople in the DEWALT Tool Talk Survey.
The ceremonies were a testament to the fruitful partnership between DEWALT and HBI. DEWALT’s $30 million commitment over five years to close the skilled trades gap in the U.S. aligns perfectly with HBI’s mission to offer industry-recognized skills training and job placement support.
Celebrating Success
The graduates, equipped with practical skills from hands-on learning, classroom teaching, and real-life experience, were visibly excited and grateful. The tools received will undoubtedly help them jumpstart their careers, offering a much-needed boost as they enter the workforce.
Highlights from the Ceremonies
- Representatives from DEWALT/Stanley Black & Decker were on hand at each location to present the tool kits.
- HBI Leadership spoke on the importance of this milestone and the opportunities ahead.
- Graduates mostly talked about the amazing experience they had at the academy and their readiness to start their new careers.
The events were more than just graduations; they were launchpads for the future of these skilled tradespeople. The atmosphere was filled with optimism and pride as families and friends joined in the celebrations.

Continuing the Mission
These graduation ceremonies underscore the critical role that organizations like DEWALT and HBI play in addressing the skilled labor shortage. Their collaborative efforts not only provide the necessary tools but also the confidence and support for new graduates to thrive in their careers.
For those who missed the events, photos and highlights can be found on our website and social media channels. We invite everyone to share in the joy and success of our graduates and to learn more about the impactful work being done at the BuildStrong Academies.
For more information about DEWALT’s Grow the Trades initiative, visit: www.dewalt.com/growthetrades
For more information about HBI’s BuildStrong Academy, visit: hbi.org
Stay connected for more updates and success stories from our graduates!