(L) Matthew Bracey, 2025 Steel Apple Award Recipient and (R) Todd Corley, Carhartt’s Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community, courtesy photo
The hum of power tools and the scent of freshly cut wood are the hallmarks of a classroom unlike any other. These are the learning spaces where the future of America’s workforce is forged, one blueprint, one weld, one carefully laid brick at a time. Recognizing the invaluable role of educators in these environments, Carhartt has introduced its inaugural “Steel Apple” Awards, a groundbreaking initiative to honor skilled trades teachers across the country.
The awards, an extension of Carhartt’s ongoing “For the Love of Labor” program, celebrate the dedication of educators who train and inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals. These teachers are more than instructors; they are mentors, shaping careers and strengthening industries that power the nation.
Todd Corley, Carhartt’s Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community emphasized 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.
“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,” Corley said.
As part of this commitment, Carhartt has pledged $150,000 to support skilled trades education. This includes a $100,000 grant awarded to the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) to expand accredited Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs nationwide. The funding will help introduce CTE curriculum in schools that have never before offered such programs, providing students with critical skills to enter the workforce.
Additionally, five exceptional skilled trades educators have been selected as the first-ever recipients of the Steel Apple Awards. These teachers, who have gone above and beyond to close the skilled trades gap, will each receive $10,000 to invest in their classrooms, a custom Carhartt workwear package, and national recognition for their contributions. Their students will also receive new gear, including backpacks and work gloves, to support their education.
Meet the 2025 Steel Apple Award Recipients:
- Matthew Bracey – Construction Trades Masonry Program Manager, Randolph Career and Technical Center (Detroit, MI)
- Aaron Haselwood – Construction Teacher, Wichita High School East (Wichita, KS)
- Robert “Bobby” Pease – Agriculture and Welding Teacher, Fleming County High School (Flemingsburg, KY)
- Bryan Suarez – Welding Teacher, Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School (Houston, TX)
- Jennifer McNally – Carpentry Teacher, Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School (South Easton, MA)
Bracey graduated from the Randolph Career and Technical Center in 1988 and takes great pride in being an alumnus. After completing his studies, he joined the Bricklayers and Cement Masons Local #2 as an apprentice. Once he finished his apprenticeship, Bracey became a skilled tradesman with the Detroit Public Schools. After several years in that role, he seized the opportunity to teach the program where he originally trained. He has been teaching at the Randolph Career and Technical Center ever since.
Matthew Bracey with Carhartt presented commemorative Steel Apple Trophy, courtesy photo
Bracey highlighted that he is honored and humbled to be named as one of the recipients of the inaugural Steel Apple award.
“This recognition has been a real blessing for me and my students, and 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,” Bracey said.
“These essentials will ensure that I can help our students learn their skills well and put their talents to good use when they graduate.”
NCCER, a leader in skilled trades workforce development since 1996, is committed to expanding access to high-quality education and credentials. Through its High School Builder Program, the organization works to remove accreditation barriers and ensure high school students graduate workforce-ready.
Boyd Worsham, president and CEO of NCCER, stressed Carhartt and NCCER share a common mission to create a more comprehensive and equitable pipeline to meaningful careers in the skilled trades.
“The Steel Apple Awards will not only honor the exceptional educators on the frontlines but also the students that pass through their classrooms,” Worsham said.
“We’re honored to partner with Carhartt on this initiative, empowering vocational educators to continue shaping the future of the skilled workforce.”
Since launching its For the Love of Labor grant program in 2020, Carhartt has awarded nearly $3 million in grants to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations supporting recognized apprenticeship industries. With hundreds of applicants and 27 grants awarded to date, the initiative continues to provide critical funding to programs that serve at least 100 individuals annually.
For more information about the Steel Apple Awards and the For the Love of Labor Grant program, visit Carhartt.com/isc-hub or contact ForTheLoveOfLabor@Carhartt.com.