Collaboration strengthens talent pipelines across the country for opportunity youth in manufacturing and trades
YouthBuild Global, the headquarters for the YouthBuild movement, has launched the third year of its community partnership with Grainger (NYSE: GWW), a leading distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products. Together, they are expanding career pathways for opportunity youth and strengthening the talent pipeline in manufacturing, logistics, and construction — all while serving their local communities.
“Grainger has shown up consistently for the young people of YouthBuild, giving them real career paths into the high-demand fields of manufacturing and logistics, while at the same time serving the communities they call home,” said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global. “This steadfast commitment is not only transforming individual lives but building the future workforce of America. We are so grateful for their partnership and proud of what we’re building together for the next generation of manufacturing, logistics, and the skilled trades.”
In YouthBuild programs, young people who are out of school and out of work reclaim their education, gain job skills and credentials, and become leaders in their communities. Within the opportunity youth population, YouthBuild primarily serves young people who lack a high school diploma and financial resources. YouthBuild Global is the headquarters for the YouthBuild movement, unifying and partnering with an expansive network of more than 320 YouthBuild programs around the world.
Local Grainger facilities build relationships with local YouthBuild programs as they work with opportunity youth on job shadowing, mentorship, and other career development and volunteer opportunities. Across these key markets, YouthBuild Global will map labor market needs, promote job opportunities, share the benefits of manufacturing and logistics careers with young people, and coach partners on best practices in recruiting, engaging, training and retaining opportunity youth.
“There’s a saying that success is where preparation meets opportunity. That’s what makes our partnership with YouthBuild Global so meaningful,” said Isaiah Davis, Vice President, Human Resources at Grainger and member of the YouthBuild Global Board of Directors. “YouthBuild prepares young people with the skills and confidence to succeed, and Grainger is proud to invest in that preparation so that the next generation is ready for the opportunities of the future.”
This year, participating local programs are:
YouthBuild Waukegan in Waukegan, Illinois
YouthBuild Lake County in North Chicago, Illinois
Green Community Builders YouthBuild in Chicago, Illinois
YouthBuild San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas
CLC, Inc. YouthBuild Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas
YouthBuild Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky
Georgia Building Trades Academy YouthBuild in Atlanta, Georgia
While young people in these programs are trained, credentialed, and ultimately hired into meaningful careers in manufacturing and logistics, local communities will also be supported through engagement and community service events like disaster relief kit assemblies, senior citizen home repairs days, and more.
About Grainger
W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.
