For the Love of Labor / 2026

Steel Apple Awards

Behind every skilled trades professional is a teacher who made it possible. Carhartt created the Steel Apple Awards to celebrate the educators preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Meet the Inaugural Class

Honor the people
who teach the work

From welding and automotive technology to construction, manufacturing and beyond, career and technical education instructors do more than teach technical skills — they build confidence, create opportunity and inspire students to pursue meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

For more than 135 years, Carhartt has stood alongside the hardworking people who build, repair and keep our communities running. Through For the Love of Labor, the Steel Apple Awards reflect Carhartt's belief that strengthening the future of the skilled trades begins by investing in the educators who inspire, mentor and prepare tomorrow's workforce.

At the heart of every skilled trades career is an educator whose passion, guidance and belief in their students helped make it possible.
Linda HubbardCarhartt President and CEO

The Inaugural Class

Each year, the Steel Apple Awards recognize career and technical education instructors from across the country whose passion, leadership and dedication are transforming students' lives and strengthening the future of the skilled trades. Meet the educators whose impact extends far beyond the classroom.

Matthew Bracey
Construction Trades Masonry Program Manager, Randolph Career and Technical Center
Detroit, MI
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Matthew Bracey
A former Randolph Career and Technical Center student, Matthew Bracey has spent more than three decades mentoring the next generation of skilled trades professionals in Detroit. His Steel Apple classroom grant will help students apply their skills beyond the classroom through community service projects that make a lasting impact.
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Aaron Haselwood
Construction Teacher, Wichita High School East
Wichita, KS
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Aaron Haselwood
Aaron Haselwood combines a passion for craftsmanship with a commitment to preparing students for successful careers. His Steel Apple classroom grant will support updated equipment and shop improvements that better reflect today's workplace, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
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Jennifer McNally
Carpentry Teacher at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School
South Easton, MA
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Jennifer McNally
A lifelong builder and craftsperson, Jennifer McNally inspires students through hands-on learning, helping them build confidence as they tackle new challenges and discover new skills. Her Steel Apple classroom grant will provide additional tools and equipment, giving students more opportunities for industry-standard, hands-on learning.
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Robert “Bobby” Pease
Agriculture and Welding Teacher, Fleming County High School
Flemingsburg, KY
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Robert “Bobby” Pease
Bobby Pease has been teaching for more than 20 years and is dedicated to creating real-world learning environments that prepare students for high-demand careers. His Steel Apple classroom funding will help modernize his welding shop with industry-standard tools and equipment that build confidence alongside technical skills.
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Bryan Suarez
Welding Teacher at Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School
Houston, TX
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Bryan Suarez
After beginning his career in the U.S. Navy, Bryan Suarez has spent decades preparing students for careers in welding and fabrication. His Steel Apple classroom grant will help modernize his welding shop with industry-standard tools and equipment, giving students the confidence and technical skills to succeed.
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2025 Award Ceremony

Explore highlights from the 2025 Steel Apple Awards ceremonies as Carhartt celebrated outstanding career and technical education educators in schools and communities across the country.