With a generous grant of $750,000, the Wells Fargo Foundation announced it’s is initiating the creation of the Team Rubicon TRades Academy, aimed at addressing the pressing need for qualified contractors in communities nationwide, particularly following natural disasters.
Veteran-led humanitarian organization Team Rubicon has long recognized the acute shortage of skilled contractors capable of providing homeowners with efficient and high-quality rebuild and repair services in the aftermath of disasters. To tackle this shortfall, Team Rubicon is launching the TRades Academy program, designed to equip trainees with essential trade skills such as contracting, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC installation, which they can then apply within their own communities.
The TRades Academy is anticipated to facilitate a significant expansion of Team Rubicon’s rebuilding operations by the end of 2025, while simultaneously affording students the credentials and practical experience necessary to attain certification as contractors in their respective communities. As a primary supporter of the program, the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation aims to match donations up to $6.5 million, including matching the initial $750,000 grant from Wells Fargo to jumpstart the program.
Wells Fargo is deepening its commitment to Team Rubicon, striving to aid communities before, during, and after disasters and crises worldwide. Through the TRades Academy, Wells Fargo is proactively addressing an escalating labor shortage, which is crucial for facilitating home and small business repairs.
Anna Bard, head of employee giving, service, and disaster relief at Wells Fargo, expressed enthusiasm for the TRades Academy, emphasizing its alignment with Wells Fargo’s core values, including support for veterans and affordable housing initiatives. Bard noted that Team Rubicon’s program empowers individuals with valuable skills and certifications, ensuring that communities have access to proficient rebuilding experts while enabling program participants to establish successful small businesses. Wells Fargo’s investment reflects its commitment to fostering long-term positive outcomes for veterans and communities nationwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in the American labor force, resulting in a mass exodus of workers from various sectors, including construction and skilled trades. Team Rubicon, with its extensive experience in long-term recovery efforts, has been pivotal in launching seven rebuild operations for communities affected by disasters since its pilot operation following Hurricane Harvey in Houston. To date, Team Rubicon has rebuilt over 500 roofs and 200 homes for vulnerable families and individuals, providing crucial assistance to homeowners struggling to recover from disasters.
Furthermore, Team Rubicon’s engagement of veteran community members in disaster relief efforts has yielded tangible benefits, allowing veterans to continue their service and training while making a meaningful impact on their communities. Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon, emphasized the indispensable role of Wells Fargo in supporting the organization’s mission to assist vulnerable communities, particularly through the TRades Academy, which addresses the growing skilled labor shortage.
The academy is set to prioritize serving veteran community members while remaining open to all individuals seeking to acquire leadership skills and become licensed contractors, thereby enhancing their employment prospects and leadership opportunities within their communities. Over the coming years, selected students will attend the program and receive hands-on apprenticeships in various skilled trades.
The Wells Fargo Foundation has been a steadfast partner of Team Rubicon since 2021, previously providing a $2.5 million grant to enable the humanitarian organization to swiftly respond to communities in the immediate aftermath of disasters or crises.
Explore more articles for the veteran community here.