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.

Bryan Suarez
Welding Teacher at Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School
Houston, Texas
View Bio
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 expand hands-on training opportunities through new materials, safety equipment and classroom resources, helping students develop the skills needed for today's workforce.
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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.