At the IFMA Permian Basin Chapter, we believe that supporting our industry goes beyond networking and professional development—it means investing in the future workforce that keeps our facilities running every day.

That belief is what sparked the idea behind Tool Bags for Grads—a program rooted in a simple question: How can we, as facility management professionals, make a direct and lasting impact on the next generation of skilled trades?

Where It All Began

Like many great initiatives, Tool Bags for Grads started as a conversation among board members.

We were exploring ways to give back to organizations that not only aligned with IFMA’s mission but also tangibly supported the industries we serve. Our goal was clear: find an opportunity where our chapter could make a direct, meaningful difference in the facility management and skilled trades pipeline.

What we discovered was a growing need—one that sits right at the intersection of education and employment.

Identifying the Need

Our search led us to Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin, a workforce development organization dedicated to providing fast, free training in high-demand trades like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. These programs are designed to remove barriers and create pathways into stable, well-paying careers.

But while Skillpoint equips students with knowledge, certifications, and hands-on experience, one challenge remained:

Graduates often lack the tools they need to succeed on day one of the job.

And in our industry, tools aren’t optional—they’re essential.

Bringing the Idea to Our Members

With that insight, the concept of Tool Bags for Grads began to take shape.

The IFMA Permian Basin Board brought the idea to our membership, presenting a clear opportunity:

• Support local workforce development
• Remove a real barrier to employment
• Strengthen the skilled trades pipeline that directly supports facility management

From the beginning, the response was overwhelmingly positive. This wasn’t just a charitable effort—it was an investment in our shared future.

Hearing It Firsthand

To deepen our understanding and build engagement, we hosted Maria Carmen Luna (Director) and Silvia Adams (Assistant Site Director) from Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin at one of our chapter meetings.

This was a defining moment.

Their team shared:

• The impact of their programs
• The journeys of their students
• The gap between graduation and employment
• And most importantly, the critical need for starter tools

We didn’t just hear about the need—we saw it.

Skillpoint graduates are entering a workforce where demand for electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers continues to grow significantly across the region.

Yet without access to basic tools, many face an immediate barrier to starting work.

The Program: Bridging the Gap

That’s where Tool Bags for Grads comes in.

The program is designed to bridge the gap between graduation and the first day on the job by equipping graduates with the tools they need to succeed.

Through this initiative, IFMA Permian Basin:

• Partners with Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin
• Provides essential professional tool bags to graduates
• Helps ensure they are job-ready from day one

As outlined on the program page, the mission is simple but powerful:
empower the next generation of skilled trades by removing barriers and supporting career readiness.

Why It Matters

The impact of this program goes far beyond a tool bag.

• For graduates: It’s confidence, opportunity, and a strong start
• For employers: It’s a more prepared and capable workforce
• For our industry: It’s sustainability and growth

Each year, hundreds of students enter the Permian Basin workforce, and the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise.

By supporting them early, we’re helping shape a stronger, more resilient future for facility management.

A Collective Effort

Tool Bags for Grads is a direct reflection of what makes IFMA special—collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to giving back.

What started as an idea among board members is now a growing initiative fueled by:

• Engaged members
• Industry partners
• Community collaboration

And we’re just getting started.

Get Involved

If you’re looking for a way to make a real impact in our industry, this is it.

Learn more about the program, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can contribute here:

👉 https://ifmapb.org/Tool_Bags_for_Grads

Together, we can continue to support the workforce that keeps our facilities—and our communities—running strong.

IFMA Permian Basin Chapter
Supporting our industry. Strengthening our future.