Department of War Awards Mike Rowe’s Foundation $10 Million to Rebuild Skilled Trades

The Department of War has given $10 million to TV host Mike Rowe’s Foundation that encourages Americans to enter the skilled trade industry.

The former “Dirty Jobs” star started the program that aims to offer Americans careers in the skilled trades like plumbing, electrical, and other hands-on work that won’t be made obsolete by artificial intelligence.

Today, we welcomed Mike Rowe to the Pentagon and announced a $10 million award to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation in support of https://t.co/XZ5B9B33UN

This initiative will help strengthen our nation by connecting more Americans with careers in the skilled trades, growing the… pic.twitter.com/QllNFxqCry
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) July 2, 2026

The goal of Mike Rowe’s Foundation is to close the skills gap and train people in months, not years.

The group says that many baby boomers who own and run skilled trades companies are retiring and need more workers. The foundation says that America will need 320,000 welders by 2029, 250,000 shipbuilders, and 81,000 electricians over the next decade.

The foundation has helped over 2,600 people so far train as welders, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, and diesel mechanics who command a six-figure salary without requiring a four-year degree and massive amounts of student loan debt.

An arsenal is nothing without the artisan. ⚙️

We're proud to support the launch of Build Freedom US to rebuild our skilled workforce.

As @USDASDuffey noted: "America's strength has always been forged by people who build..."

🔗 Join the mission: https://t.co/2iZmmobgc5
— USW(A&S) (@DoW_USW_AS) July 2, 2026

Profoundly Disconnected, Part 3

Brenda Pfarr writes…Why are people here calling Corey Zach? We know why Mike called Corey Matt, but … well actually no one knows that, really. But where did Zach come from?

Tiffany Rizer responds…Brenda Pfarr check the edit history. He said… pic.twitter.com/7ZkJxOH6RI
— The Real Mike Rowe (@mikeroweworks) July 3, 2026

Great move by @DeptofWar — excited to see this commitment to the workforce that builds and defends America. @mikeroweworks has been championing skilled trades for years. These jobs are the backbone of our country. Investing in them is investing in our future. https://t.co/EWxUwsiSRB
— Hadrian (@HadrianInc) July 2, 2026

DOW Launches https://t.co/drLZsjU5cI, Announces $10M Skilled Trades Investment With Mike Rowe and Forge the Next-Generation Industrial Workforce > U.S. Department of War > Release | U.S. Department of War https://t.co/sbd9HirhSi
— Michal (@MotherMichal) July 2, 2026