A new survey of Orlando-based tradespeople from Dewalt, a Stanley Black & Decker brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, found that 78% of tradespeople agree that the initial buy-in cost of tools, which can range from several thousands to upwards of $10,000, was a barrier to getting started in their career. As the nation grapples with a skilled labor shortage consisting of more than 500,000 open construction jobs, the Dewalt Tool Talk Survey examined how having the right tools for the job impacts those beginning a career in the trades.  

“Our findings tell us that two in three tradespeople in Orlando (66%) did not own all the tools needed for their job upon starting their career, and of those, half (52%) say they saved up or took out a loan to purchase tools,” said Jeff Doehne, president, U.S. retail, Stanley Black & Decker. “As part of Dewalt’s commitment to grow the trades, we are making every effort to empower those starting out by supplying the tools young professionals need to be successful from day one.” 

Proper Tools are Worth the Investment 

Upon the start of their career, nearly three in five tradespeople (57%) cite the need to replace their toolset with more heavy-duty tools or not having the tools they need as the biggest roadblocks. Not surprisingly then, 93% of tradespeople say that investing in durable, high-performance tools is worth paying a higher cost. For nearly three in four tradespeople (72%), it took two years or less to see a return on the money spent on their initial investment in tools. 

As their careers progress, more than three in four tradespeople (78%) are refreshing or replacing their tools at least once a year with 65% estimating their annual investment in tools, batteries and accessories to be $10,000 or more. Further, 41% estimate this investment is $25,000 or more.  

Access to Tools May Attract More Workers to the Construction Industry

 For more than four in five tradespeople (86%), it would have been extremely significant or very significant to receive a gift of core tools for their trade upon the start of their career, while 88% go as far to say that easier access to necessary tools would attract more workers to the construction industry. 

As part of Dewalt’s Grow the Trades initiative, a $30 million commitment over five years to close the skilled trades gap in the U.S., Dewalt will provide tool kits to 100 students of HBI’s BuildStrong Academy in Orlando throughout the year. Dewalt will be onsite to hand deliver kits to the latest graduating class on Friday, July 26.  

In March 2024, Dewalt partnered with HBI to become HBI's BuildStrong Academy Tool Trade Sponsor. HBI’s BuildStrong Academy in Orlando is a tuition-free, industry-driven academy that provides hands-on training and education for anyone interested in pursuing a career in construction. In addition to hands on training, the organization focuses on professional development, mentoring, and ongoing support, equipping students with the necessary skills and certifications to meet the demand for skilled workers.  

More on the HBI: Growth in Trade Skills Education is Expanding Nationwide