BlackRock Commits $25M to Expand Skilled Trades Workforce via National RFP
Event summary
- BlackRock launched a $25M nationwide RFP as part of its $100M Future Builders initiative to train 50,000 skilled trades workers over five years.
- Grants of $500K–$1M will be awarded to nonprofits expanding high-quality trades training programs.
- Jobs for the Future (JFF) will administer the RFP, with a six-week application window opening June 1, 2026.
- The initiative follows a $30M commitment in Texas to train 12,000 electrical workers over three years.
The big picture
BlackRock’s $25M RFP underscores the growing need for skilled trades workers amid infrastructure development and labor shortages. The initiative aligns with broader trends in workforce development, where financial institutions are increasingly investing in economic mobility solutions. With $100M committed over five years, BlackRock is positioning itself as a key player in addressing labor market gaps, though the success of the program will depend on effective nonprofit partnerships and measurable outcomes.
What we're watching
- Scalability Challenge
- Whether BlackRock can effectively scale its workforce development model beyond Texas to a national level.
- Nonprofit Selection
- How JFF’s review process will identify the most impactful nonprofits for grant awards.
- Industry Demand
- The pace at which skilled trades demand will grow and whether the initiative can keep up.
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