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.
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 the For the Love of Labor grant program, Carhartt supports organizations that educate, train and prepare the next generation of trades workers. The Steel Apple Awards build on that commitment 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.
Meet the People who Teach the Work
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. This year Carhartt worked with partners National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), TechForce Foundation and Ford Philanthropy to identify the honorees. Meet the educators whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. Honorees receive a grant to invest in their classroom, Carhartt workwear and recognition for their contributions to the industry.
Bobby Cooper
Automotive Technology Instructor, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
View Bio
Bobby Cooper
With 33 years of dealership experience as an ASE Master Technician, Bobby Cooper brings real-world expertise to the classroom. From steering and suspension to electrical systems and emerging technologies, he helps students develop the technical skills and confidence to pursue careers in the automotive industry.
View Less −
Mike Coughlin
Associate Professor of Automotive Technology, State University of New York Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY
View Bio
Mike Coughlin
Mike Coughlin began his automotive career in SUNY Erie’s Ford ASSET program, becoming a shop foreman before returning as an instructor. For more than a decade, he has mentored future automotive technicians, helping students build the hands-on skills, confidence and professionalism needed to succeed in an evolving industry.
View Less −
Paul Frye
Director of Moore Tech Automotive Program, William R. Moore College of Technology
Memphis, TN
View Bio
Paul Frye
A GM and ASE Master Technician with 25 years of teaching experience, Paul Frye leads Moore Tech’s automotive program with a focus on opening doors for the next generation. Through practical training and industry partnerships, he helps students gain the skills, confidence and connections to enter the automotive workforce.
View Less −
Kora Huffman
Carpentry & Advanced Manufacturing Instructor, Kelly Walsh High School
Casper, WY
View Bio
Kora Huffman
Kora Huffman brings carpentry and advanced manufacturing to life through hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. She also supports aspiring trades professionals through SkillsUSA, serving as an advisor and technical chair for statewide competitions.
View Less −
Michael Manuel
Construction Teacher, Ponitz Career Technology Center
Dayton, OH
View Bio
Michael Manuel
Michael Manuel believes mentorship can help students see a future for themselves in the skilled trades. At Ponitz Career Technology Center, he creates an inclusive, student-centered learning environment where aspiring construction professionals can build practical skills, confidence and a foundation for their careers.
View Less −
Joshua O’Neal
CTE Welding Instructor, Hemet Unified School District
Hemet, CA
View Bio
Joshua O’Neal
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in construction, industrial maintenance, mining and heavy equipment operations, Joshua O’Neal brings extensive industry knowledge to his welding instruction. Now in his eighth year of teaching, he helps students develop practical skills and explore opportunities across the skilled trades.
View Less −
Aaron Swett
Construction Technology Instructor, Oakland Schools Technical Center Northeast
Pontiac, MI
View Bio
Aaron Swett
A licensed builder, Aaron Swett gives students firsthand experience in construction through hands-on projects that include building full-scale homes. He also prepares students for SkillsUSA carpentry competitions, helping the next generation of builders develop technical skills, confidence and pride in their work.
View Less −
Kristopher Young
Automotive Technology Instructor, Henry Ford Community College
Dearborn, MI
View Bio
Kristopher Young
With 21 years of teaching experience, Kristopher Young helps students turn an interest in automotive technology into a career. As a leader of Henry Ford College’s manufacturer-specific training program, he expands access to industry tools, technical knowledge and hands-on experience that prepare students for the workforce.
View Less −
Hear from the Honorees
“I feel blessed to be able to get up in the morning and go to a job I really like and try to make a difference in young people’s lives. My students are why I work at TCAT Knoxville. I hope that when they graduate, they find a solid career path in automotive technology.”
Bobby CooperTCAT Knoxville
“Teaching automotive technology is about more than showing students how to fix cars. It’s about helping them develop skills they can be proud of and build a career and a future for themselves.”
Paul FryeWilliam R. Moore College of Technology
“I hope my students leave with the skills to make a good living and support their families, but also a strong work ethic. Those are the two things that would make me happy.”
Aaron SwettOakland Schools Technical Center Northeast
“It’s been awesome to watch students go from zero experience to having a career where they can make a living and support themselves. Giving them that skill set is what I love to do.”
Kristopher YoungHenry Ford College
2026 Award Ceremonies
Go behind the scenes as Carhartt surprised eight exceptional skilled trades educators with its 2026 Steel Apple Awards.
1
20
Steel Apple Award honoree Bobby Cooper with William Hardy, SVP of Supply Chain at Carhartt, and TCAT-Knoxville administratorsSteel Apple Award honoree Bobby Cooper with William Hardy, SVP of Supply Chain at Carhartt, and TCAT-Knoxville administratorsSteel Apple winner Bobby Cooper with his TCAT-Knoxville studentsSteel Apple winner Mike Coughlin and his SUNY Erie auto tech studentsMike Coughlin being presented the Steel Apple Award by SUNY Erie administrators and TechForce’s JeanMarie DeLucaSteel Apple honoree Paul Frye with William Hardy, SVP of Supply Chain at Carhartt, and Moore Tech studentsPaul Frye being presented the Steel Apple Award by a Moore Tech school official and Carhartt’s SVP of Supply Chain William HardySteel Apple winner Kora Huffman with her Kelly Walsh students and principal Mike Britt and their new Carhartt gearKora Huffman and Kelly Walsh principal Mike Britt with her Steel Apple AwardSteel Apple winner Josh O’Neal with a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) signJosh O’Neal being presented the Steel Apple Award by Hemet Unified School District officialsAaron Swett receiving the Steel Apple Award from Todd Corley, Chief People & Impact Officer at Carhartt, and Stephanie Watts, Director of Philanthropy at NCCERSteel Apple honoree Aaron Swett with Carhartt’s Todd Corley, NCCER’s Stephanie Watts, and Oakland Schools Technical Center Northeast students and administrationKris Young being presented the Steel Apple Award by Carhartt CEO Linda Hubbard, TechForce COO Jennifer Bergeron, and Henry Ford College dean Dr. Patricia ChatmanSteel Apple winner Kris Young with his Henry Ford College students and colleague, Carhartt CEO Linda Hubbard, and TechForce COO Jennifer BergeronOakland Schools Technical Center Northeast students celebrate Aaron Swett’s 2026 Steel Apple Award in their new Carhartt gearSteel Apple Award and Carhartt gear for the next generation of tradespeopleHenry Ford College students celebrate receiving Carhartt workwear and backpacks through the Steel Apple Award grantA Moore Tech automotive student in his new Carhartt workwearCarhartt Steel Apple Award designed by Jimmy DiResta, Friend of CarharttCarhartt Steel Apple Awards designed by Jimmy DiResta, Friend of Carhartt
Media Resources
Access everything you need to cover the Steel Apple Awards, including press materials, honoree profiles, photography and media contacts.
In 2025, Carhartt honored five teachers with its inaugural Steel Apple Awards to honor educators shaping the next generation of skilled trade workers.
Bryan Suarez
Welding Teacher at Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School
Houston, TX
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 modernized his welding shop with industry-standard tools and equipment, giving students the confidence and technical skills to succeed.
View Less −
Matthew Bracey
Construction Trades Masonry Program Manager, Randolph Career and Technical Center
Detroit, MI
View Bio
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 helped students apply their skills beyond the classroom through community service projects that make a lasting impact.
View Less −
Aaron Haselwood
Construction Teacher, Wichita High School East
Wichita, KS
View Bio
Aaron Haselwood
Aaron Haselwood combines a passion for craftsmanship with a commitment to preparing students for successful careers. His Steel Apple classroom grant supported updated equipment and shop improvements to better reflect today’s workplace, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
View Less −
Bobby Pease
Agriculture and Welding Teacher, Fleming County High School
Flemingsburg, KY
View Bio
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 helped to modernize his welding shop with industry-standard tools and equipment that build confidence alongside technical skills.
View Less −
Jennifer McNally
Carpentry Teacher at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School
South Easton, MA
View Bio
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 provided additional tools and equipment, giving students more opportunities for industry-standard, hands-on learning.
View Less −
2025 Award Ceremonies
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.
1
12
Aaron Haselwood with Wichita High School East studentsAaron Haselwood with Wichita High School East studentsAward winner Jennifer McNally of Southeastern Regional Vocational TechBryan Suarez with his Steel Apple Award and Carhartt gear packageBryan Suarez with his Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical studentsTeacher Aaron Haselwood with a student in his Wichita school shopJennifer McNally with her Southeastern Regional Vocational Tech studentsBobby Pease with a Fleming County High School official and William Hardy, SVP of Supply Chain at CarharttBobby Pease receiving his award from William Hardy, SVP of Supply Chain at CarharttMatthew Bracey with school officials and Carhartt’s Todd Corley, Chief People & Impact OfficerMatthew Bracey receiving his award from Todd Corley, Chief People & Impact Officer at CarharttCarhartt Steel Apple Awards designed by Jimmy DiResta, Friend of CarharttCarhartt Steel Apple Award designed by Jimmy DiResta, Friend of Carhartt
Explore More
Discover how Carhartt supports hardworking people and the skilled trades.
