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TCEF exists to promote a safe, skilled, sustainable, and diverse workforce by providing funding for the direct support of training initiatives/programs or the expansion of a training facility that promotes careers in the merit shop construction industry. Formerly known as the Merit Shop Foundation, the Trimmer Construction Education Fund was established in 1971.
Trimmer is the premier resource for construction education funding, aggressively promoting merit shop education in the United States and providing a climate in which the industry has access to a trained, skilled, safe and sustainable workforce.
The Trimmer Construction Education Fund allocates resources to drive sustainable long-term growth and competitive advantage by focusing on awareness, capacity and opportunity.
Trimmer’s goal is to attract, train and retain talent through educating the public about the varied opportunities a career in the construction industry has to offer.
John Trimmer was the first executive vice president of Associated Builders and Contractors 60 years ago and was a tireless champion in promoting the merit shop philosophy.
His lifelong commitment to the merit shop and his efforts to provide educational opportunities to those in the construction industry set him apart as a true innovator and leader.
It is because of his many accomplishments and his vision and efforts to lend a voice to the industry that the fund bears his name.
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Johnny Sanchez
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Jennifer Stolzenburg
Treylan Harris
Pipefitter Helper, EXCEL Group
Reina Montoya
Electrical Inspector, City of San Diego
Kawanna Freeman
Instrumentation Technician, Dow Chemical — Plaquemine
Joshua Favale
Electrical Journeyman, Laser Electric
ABC Arkansas Chapter New 9 x 16 video screen, high-def Panasonic laser projector purchased for their training center along with tables and chairs to seat up to 100
ABC Arkansas Chapter Bill Roachell showing US Congressman French Hill the plans for the new front office building—where classrooms and a conference center will be located.
ABC Arkansas Chapter Demo work on the front of the new building—this is where the classrooms will be located in the front building.
ABC Arkansas Chapter ABC members enjoying the ABC Arkansas's 2nd “ABC Catfish Friday” of the summer in their training center.
ABC Connecticut Chapter Learning by Doing initiative.
ABC Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter Safety Trailer- a mobile training unit that can house indoor or outdoor training sessions.
Apply for a TCEF Grant today. Using the linked application below, email a single PDF file with all required information to Betsy Strock at [email protected]. The applicant and/or its organization must support training for the merit shop construction philosophy. ABC chapters, chapter affiliates and ABC members must be in good standing.
440 First Street, N.W. Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001
Grant Applications and Status Reports
For March 2025 review (virtual):
Due Friday, Feb. 28
For June 2025 review:
Due Monday, May 12
For November 2025 review:
Due Monday, Oct. 13
Betsy Strock [email protected] 202-595-9130