@intels5: Lowe’s covers tuition for employees who want to learn trades including HVAC, plumbing and electrical work through its Track to the Trades program. The benefit provides upfront funding for trade certifications, with seven training paths that also include appliance repair, residential construction and maintenance. The company says 31,000 associates have used the education benefit. Courses prepare participants for industry credentials, including OSHA-10 safety training and EPA-608 certification for handling refrigerants. The pre-apprenticeship program is designed to help current Lowe’s employees take their first steps toward a career in the trades. Source: Lowe’s.