Lowe's CEO bets $250 million on human tradespeople, not AI replacement — invests in training 250,000 skilled workers by 2035

Lowe's nonprofit foundation committed $250 million to train and develop 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035, as CEO Marvin Ellison argues that AI cannot replace hands-on construction work like climbing ladders or installing materials.

Ellison cited a projected shortage of construction workers, with 41% of the current construction workforce expected to retire within five years while the industry needs 350,000 new workers to meet demand — making human labor the actual bottleneck, not AI efficiency.

For homeowners and property owners, this signals that home improvement and renovation services will remain dependent on finding qualified human workers over the next decade, potentially affecting project timelines and labor costs as demand outpaces supply.