St. George, Utah — Dixie Technical College has been awarded a nearly $1 million Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation to expand hands-on training in its Construction programs, including electrical and plumbing apprenticeships and HVACR technician training. The investment will increase training capacity, modernize equipment, and prepare more skilled professionals for careers that are essential to Southern Utah’s continued growth. The grant is part of nearly $8 million awarded to 10 community and technical colleges across the nation.
“On behalf of Dixie Technical College, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant program,” said Jordan Rushton, President of Dixie Technical College. “This vital funding will accelerate the growth of our Construction and Apprenticeship programs, opening doors to rewarding careers for our students. With the Lowe’s Foundation, we have found a genuine partner who shares our vision of transforming lives through technical education while strengthening our community and economy.”
Funding will expand laboratory training, add advanced building systems equipment, and support the development of a mobile training lab. By increasing access to real-world learning experiences, students will graduate with the skills and confidence to contribute on day one, giving local builders a stronger pipeline of qualified employees while opening the door to rewarding, higher-paying careers in the construction industry.
“This is the biggest thing to happen to our program in years, and we truly appreciate this grant award,” said Ashlee Tengberg, Construction Technology Director at Dixie Technical College. “Our industry partners continue to ask for graduates with more advanced skills, and this investment gives us the equipment, curriculum, and learning resources to meet that demand. It strengthens our programs today while creating opportunities for future students and the companies that hire them.”
The timing of this investment is especially important as Washington County continues to experience significant residential and commercial growth. As new communities, businesses, and infrastructure projects expand across the region, the demand for skilled electricians, HVACR technicians, and plumbers continues to increase. This grant will help Dixie Technical College strengthen the pipeline of trained professionals needed to support Southern Utah’s growth and provide local employers with the skilled workforce they need.
Dixie Tech’s Construction programs have a proven track record of preparing students for successful careers. Across the college, 92 percent of graduates either enter employment in their field of study or continue their education. The Gable Grant will build on that success by expanding opportunities for more students while strengthening the workforce that local builders and contractors rely on.
About Dixie Technical College
Dixie Technical College provides hands-on training that equips students with essential workforce skills. With nearly 30 accredited programs in fields including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, construction, culinary arts, and computer technologies, the college provides students with training that enables them to master essential, hands-on skills they can take directly to the workforce, empowering them to support their families, strengthen the community, and contribute to local industry while advancing their careers. Learn more at dixietech.edu.
About The Lowe’s Foundation
The Lowe’s Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lowe’s, is solving the critical skilled trades labor shortage and helping fulfill dreams for the next generation of Pros. By 2035, the Lowe’s Foundation will invest $250 million to help train and develop 250,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges and nonprofit organizations. To learn more about the Lowe’s Foundation, visit LowesFoundation.org.
