New DEWALT Study Identifies Emerging Gap Between AI Training in Trade Schools and Industry Needs
Rhea-AI Summary
DEWALT (NYSE: SWK) released a U.S. survey showing a skills gap: 90% of construction pros expect AI to be indispensable within five years, but only 8% currently use AI. DEWALT is launching a pilot with ABC Central Florida, a $75,000 education grant, and links to its $60M Grow the Trades commitment.
Positive
- 90% of U.S. respondents expect AI indispensable within five years
- DEWALT committed $75,000 to ABC Trimmer Construction Education Fund
- Launch of hands-on AI pilot with ABC Central Florida Innovation Center
- DEWALT's existing $60 million Grow the Trades pledge through 2030
Negative
- Only 8% of construction pros currently use AI on the job
- 87% say AI education must be embedded in trade schools
- Heavy reliance on informal resources: YouTube 40%, Coursera 39%
- 37% are only piloting or researching AI, not using daily
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SWK is down 0.72%, while key peers LECO (-1.43%), RBC (-1.03%), SNA (-0.13%), TTC (-0.59%) and TKR (-2.39%) are also negative, consistent with a broader tools/industrial pullback. Momentum scanners did not flag sector momentum, suggesting a more muted, background sector drift.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 20 | Tariff impact update | Neutral | +5.3% | Company said Section 232 tariff changes should not impact 2026 guidance materially. |
| Apr 07 | Innovation recognition | Positive | -0.5% | Fortune ranked the company No. 36 on America’s Most Innovative Companies list. |
| Apr 06 | Business divestiture | Positive | -1.0% | Completed $1.8B CAM sale to Howmet Aerospace to reduce debt and refocus portfolio. |
| Mar 26 | Earnings date notice | Neutral | -2.8% | Announced timing and access details for first quarter 2026 earnings release and webcast. |
| Mar 10 | Conference appearance | Neutral | -0.5% | Disclosed upcoming presentation at the 2026 J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference. |
Recent company news often saw negative or mixed price reactions, including declines on positive portfolio and recognition updates, with one notable upside move on tariff guidance.
Over the last few months, SWK has focused on portfolio sharpening and communication with investors. On Apr 6, it completed the sale of its CAM business for $1.8 billion cash, targeting lower leverage and capital allocation flexibility, yet the stock fell modestly. Recognition as one of America’s Most Innovative Companies and updates on conferences and earnings timing also saw small declines. The new DEWALT AI training study and initiatives fit this innovation and workforce development narrative.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement underscores DEWALT’s push to bridge the AI skills gap in construction, with survey data showing strong belief in AI’s future importance but limited current use. The company is backing this with targeted training pilots and funding, including a $75,000 grant and a broader $60 million Grow the Trades commitment. In the context of recent portfolio simplification and innovation recognition, investors may watch how AI-enabled tools and education support SWK’s core tools and outdoor strategy over time.
Key Terms
artificial intelligence technical
ai technical
hvac technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
- Survey cites that while the majority of construction pros believe AI will be indispensable within five years, only
8% are currently using AI on the job - Majority of construction pros say AI training must be embedded in trade schools
- DEWALT is launching a pilot program and AI Education Grant in partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors to support the need for AI training enabling skilled workers to focus on what they do best – building
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/stanley-black-and-decker/9368251-en-dewalt-study-shows-emerging-gap-in-ai-training-and-construction-industry-needs
DEWALT's AI in the Trades study surveyed construction professionals across the globe. In the
"Tradespeople are the backbone of our industry, and their hands-on expertise is what brings every project to life. As jobsites become increasingly complex and technology-driven, the need for practical AI training has never been more important," said Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoors, Stanley Black & Decker. "Our research shows that trades professionals are eager to develop and apply AI skills that will enhance their effectiveness and adaptability on the jobsite. Yet, too many still lack access to this essential training. At DEWALT, we believe that empowering our workforce with AI education is not just about keeping pace with technology - it's about equipping tradespeople with the tools and knowledge they need to solve real-world challenges, drive productivity, and lead the industry forward."
Key Findings of the DEWALT AI in the Trades Survey
1. AI is rapidly expanding on the jobsite
88% expect adoption to increase over the next year83% say AI will be standard within three years90% believe it will be indispensable within five years
2. Belief in AI's potential is meaningful, but everyday use remains limited
37% are piloting and researching AI- Only
8% say AI is part of their day-to-day work currently
3. For Early Adopters, Jobsite Workflows Come First
46% report exploring AI in site operations and monitoring46% report leveraging it in the planning and design phase of projects41% are using AI to help with estimation, procurement, and supply chain processes
Training is the Missing Link in AI Adoption
While
Among early adopters, the top benefits cited include increased productivity (
DEWALT Leads with First-of-Its-Kind AI Training Pilot and Education for Future and Current Pros Across the US
To begin addressing the AI training gap highlighted by these findings, DEWALT is launching a pilot program with Associated Builders and Contractors Central Florida chapter's Innovation and Technology Center. The program's goal is to deliver hands-on, jobsite-relevant AI training for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, which is being held the week of April 27, DEWALT facilitated a case-study session for apprentices and young construction professionals enrolled in ABC Central Florida's NextGen leadership program. The session featured a senior virtual design and construction manager from a national construction firm, providing participants with real jobsite use cases and steps for apprentices and young pros to begin implementing AI immediately.
To provide access to AI education nationally, DEWALT has also committed
TCEF promotes a safe, skilled and sustainable workforce by providing funding for the direct support of training initiatives/programs or the expansion of a training facility that promotes careers in the merit shop construction industry.
"Education is vital to bringing fundamental AI skillsets to our future workforce," said Matthew Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. "DEWALT's commitment to providing AI resources to craft professionals through its donation to the Trimmer Construction Education Fund will be invaluable to improving safety and productivity on jobsites. ABC thanks DEWALT for its generosity and dedication to lifelong learning in the construction workforce."
DEWALT is also supporting ABC's "AI Toolbox Talks" webinar, a monthly training series that equips ABC's 24,000 member companies with a roadmap to adopt AI and understand its impact on project design, robotics, and quality control.
These initiatives build on DEWALT's pledge to help close the skilled labor gap, including its commitment to invest
"AI is starting to reshape the future of construction, and we need to make sure tradespeople are ready for it," added Beck. "These educational programs are about giving early-career workers and current pros access to the tools and skills that will matter on tomorrow's jobsites. DEWALT's goal is to help make AI practical, useful, and accessible for the people doing the work every day. We are committed to standing alongside trades professionals to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in the evolving landscape of construction."
Click here to view the global results of DEWALT's AI in the Trades survey.
For more information on DEWALT products and solutions, visit: DEWALT.com.
Methodology
The survey was conducted online in six countries in December 2025 among skilled trade workers and decision-makers working from small, medium and large companies across residential, commercial and industrial construction.
Skilled trade respondents included carpenters, concrete workers, electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, drywall installers, general contractors and construction technicians. Decision-makers included professionals in business leadership, project and site leadership, design and engineering, safety and compliance, procurement, and logistics.
This report includes findings for
About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total jobsite solutions. For more than 100 years, DEWALT has been powering the future of construction with tools and technologies that have been designed, built and tested to help deliver safety and productivity on every jobsite. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the
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SOURCE DEWALT