Bring Back the Trades Expands Research Initiative Examining Skilled Trades Workforce Gap
Rye, New Hampshire — July, 2026 — Bring Back the Trades (BBTT), a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to bridging the workforce gap, today announced the expansion of its landmark industry research initiative. The research, initially launched in 2025 with founding support from F.W. Webb Company, the Northeast’s largest wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, HVAC and industrial supplies, is expanding with additional industry sponsorship from Cintas Corporation, a premier provider of workwear and business essentials.
Initial research released by BBTT in February 2026 revealed stark projections for the industry: 25% of jobs across the original seven trades studied will be vacant by 2030. This workforce deficit is projected to trigger a $325 billion loss in U.S. GDP if left unaddressed. To provide a more comprehensive roadmap for industry and educational leaders, BBTT is currently analyzing an additional 14 trades, with the next wave of data expected to be released later this year.
“We are thrilled to have Cintas join F.W. Webb as a sponsor of this critical research initiative,” said Shana Brunye, Chief Operating Officer and Research Director at Bring Back the Trades. “F.W. Webb’s early belief in this project allowed us to uncover the initial $325 billion gap, and adding Cintas gives us the momentum to dig even deeper. Together, we are uncovering the exact localized data needed to engage the next generation of tradespeople.”
Industry Leadership and Commitment to the Trades
Industry support for the research enables Bring Back the Trades to conduct deep-dive primary and secondary research, turning workforce demographics and education trends into actionable insights for educators, employers, and policymakers.
“At F.W. Webb, we understand the critical role the trades play in our communities and our economy,” said Sean Davis, a Vice President at F.W. Webb. “We are proud to back this research, as we know how vital it is to get a clear picture of the workforce shortage. This data gives us the leverage to address the skills gap head-on and build a reliable talent pipeline.”
“Supporting the skilled trades is central to our mission at Cintas,” said John Rudy, Senior Director of Marketing at Cintas. “Every day, we work alongside the essential tradespeople who keep our infrastructure moving. Investing in this research allows us to better understand their challenges and actively support the recruitment and development of the next generation of skilled workers.”
Current Research Objectives:
- Track Key Metrics: Identify which trades are projected to have the most critical need of employees – in terms of both volume and severity – by state and region.
- Expand Trade Analysis: Finalize data collection on 14 additional trades to map a comprehensive national workforce outlook.
- Drive Strategic Advocacy: Turn data into actionable recommendations to help educators, employers, and policymakers guide students toward high-demand, rewarding trade careers.
Impact and Next Steps
The data from this ongoing study directly informs BBTT’s national initiatives, including its monthly tool grant programs, scholarships, and targeted workforce outreach.
“Our goal is to understand exactly which trades are most needed, and where,” added Brunye. “We are actively seeking one additional industry partner to join F.W. Webb and Cintas in this mission as we prepare to release our next round of findings later this year.”
About Bring Back the Trades
Bring Back the Trades is a non-profit organization committed to providing scholarships and equipment to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. By partnering with industry leaders, BBTT works to change the public perception of trade careers and ensure the next generation of American craftspeople has the resources to succeed. BBTT.org Research outlining the $325 billion workforce gap: https://bringbackthetrades.org/research
About F.W. Webb Company
An industry pioneer since 1866, F.W. Webb Company is the largest wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, HVAC, LP gas, refrigeration, pipe, valves and fittings in the Northeast. F.W. Webb has grown from a single location to more than 100 across nine states and proudly offers customers an extensive inventory of products and dedicated services that reach from underground to the rooftop. Covering 16 areas of expertise, specialty markets include process controls, water works, environmental services and more. F.W. Webb also operates more than 50 Frank Webb Home bath, kitchen and lighting retail showrooms. Media contact: [email protected].
Read more about the Bring Back the Trades Research into the Skilled Trades Workforce projections.
