Our world relies heavily on trade jobs to function effectively. Although trade work often remains in the background, every piece of infrastructure in our daily lives depends on these essential roles. This is why nurturing the next generation of trade workers is so crucial.
Educators play a vital role in this process, influencing not just their students but society as a whole. The recently launched “Steel Apple” awards by Carhartt aim to honor these educators. This initiative builds on Carhartt’s ongoing “For the Love of Labor” program, which supports nonprofit organizations that train, educate and place new workers in skilled trade careers.
“The mentors who dedicate their careers to training the next generation of tradespeople aren’t just teachers -- they’re builders of futures, role models of excellence and champions of craftsmanship for all hardworking people,” said Todd Corley, Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability and Community at Carhartt. “At Carhartt, we take pride in celebrating the exceptional educators who inspire and significantly impact their students’ growth and learning -- both in the classroom and as they embark on their careers.”
In a move to expand accredited career and technical education (CTE) programs nationwide, Carhartt granted $100,000 from its spring 2025 For the Love of Labor program to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). NCCER is a nonprofit education foundation that provides construction assessment, training, research, credentials and career development programs.
Established in 1996, NCCER is a leader in skilled trades workforce development, offering a High School Builder Program that makes CTE programs accessible by removing accreditation barriers. It allows high school students to graduate ready for the workforce.
“Carhartt and NCCER share a common mission to create a more comprehensive and equitable pipeline to meaningful careers in the skilled trades,” said Boyd Worsham, President and CEO of NCCER. “The Steel Apple Awards will not only honor the exceptional educators on the frontlines but also the students who pass through their classrooms. We’re honored to partner with Carhartt on this initiative, empowering these vocational educators to continue shaping the future of the skilled workforce.”
Established in 2020, the For the Love of Labor grant program has attracted hundreds of applications and awarded 27 grants totaling nearly $3 million. This funding supports eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations in recognized apprenticeship fields that serve at least 100 individuals annually.
Carhartt recently recognized five educators with the inaugural “Steel Apple” awards for their exceptional commitment to their students and their craft, awarding each $10,000 to invest in their classrooms.
The winning teachers also received a tailored workwear package, along with national recognition for their contributions. Additionally, the students in their classrooms received Carhartt gear, including work gloves and backpacks.
The awarded educators include:
- Aaron Haselwood: Construction teacher at Wichita High School East in Wichita, Kansas.
- Bryan Suarez: Welding teacher at Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School in Houston.
- Jennifer McNally: Carpentry teacher at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in South Easton, Massachusetts.
- Matthew Bracey: Construction trades masonry program manager at Randolph Career and Technical Center in Detroit.
- Robert “Bobby” Pease: Agriculture and welding teacher at Fleming County High School in Flemingsburg, Kentucky.
Click or tap here to learn more about Carhartt’s For the Love of Labor program.