As the construction industry and concrete contractors across North America handle the skilled labor crisis, earlier this year the workwear brand Carhartt launched it's inaugural "Steel Apple" initiative to honor educators shaping the next generation of skilled trade workers. The awards are an extension of Carhartt’s “For the Love of Labor” program – an ongoing initiative that supports nonprofit organizations as they educate, train and place workers into skilled trades careers. The initiative included $100,000 to launch and expand Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs across the country – introducing CTE curriculum to students for the first time.
One of the five recipients of the Steel Apple was Mathew Bracey, who is making an impact on the future of the construction industry as the Construction Trades Masonry Program Manager at Randolph Career and Technical Center (Detroit). We caught up with him over email for a few questions.
“The mentors who dedicate their careers to training the next generation of tradespeople aren’t just teachers—they’re builders of futures, role models of excellence and champions of craftsmanship for all hardworking people,” says Todd Corley, Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability and Community at Carhartt. “At Carhartt, we take pride in celebrating the exceptional educators who inspire and make a significant impact on their students’ growth and learning – both in the classroom and as they embark on their careers.”
The Steel Apple recognized five skilled educators have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their craft, their students, and the mission of closing the skilled trades gap. Each recipient will receive $10,000 to invest in their own classrooms, a tailored workwear package, and national recognition for their contributions to the industry. Students in each classroom received new gear from Carhartt, including backpacks and work gloves. Of the five was Matthew Bracey, Construction Trades Masonry Program Manager at Randolph Career and Technical Center, Detroit.
Q. How does it feel to be named one of the five recipients of the inaugural Steel Apple award?
I’m honored and humbled to be named the recipient of the inaugural Steel Apple Award.
Q. What led you to start your career in the trades and ultimately into teaching?
Being a former student, Randolph I had no idea I was going into the masonry field. My former teacher, Mr. Gaudy, often asked me to replace him as a teacher, and in 2004 he finally wore me down in teaching the students, and I never looked back!
Q. What do you plan to do with the $10,000 classroom donation?
I look forward to using the $10K prize money to purchase new tools and classroom equipment for our students to use as they train for a career in masonry. These essentials will ensure that I can help our students learn their skills well and put their talents to good use when they graduate.
Q. How will this donation make an impact on your students and school community?
The donation will allow our students to train with the latest technology, ensuring they’re ready for the workforce after they graduate, enabling them to make a strong impact on our community as they head to work.
Q. What keeps you going as an educator of the skilled trades?
What keeps me going as a teacher is the heart connection I have with school students and the Randolph community.
Q. What impact do you hope to have on your students as an educator?
I hope to have a life impact with current and ex-students. I get calls and visits from students from the past twenty years, and they never forget their experiences.
Q. What is your outlook on the future of the skilled trades industry, after teaching so many generations of students?
Our students are the future builders of America, and the construction industry is only growing, putting students to work gives them a chance to live a great life and become viable assets to the city, state, and world.
