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iQ Power Tools, manufacturer of premium power tools with integrated dust collection systems, has donated tools and equipment to educational institutes with construction certification programs across the country.

“Our firm is making great strides over the years, (even more so this year) to support education programs within the construction industry. Preparing students to identify and solve any problem they may face head-on is imperative to the success of our industry as a whole. If we can help offset some of the costs for these local communities, and these students, then it is a win-win for everyone,” said Paul Guth, iQ Power Tools, president of product development.

iQ Power Tools has extended help to multiple educational construction programs, most recently working with those focused on landscaping, building maintenance and tile setting. The firm’s innovative equipment has found its way into many of its pertinent programs.

Skylar Westergard, from Brigham Young University-Idaho’s  “Landscape Construction & Materials Program” also was a recipient. “Our program was working with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) to develop a module on paver installation to complement our landscaping program. We were applying for a ‘Tools for Schools’ Grant Program... and reached out to iQ requesting a quote for the dustless masonry saw. This was one of many landscaping tools needed for our program here on campus, which actually includes a 10-acre botanical garden setting the stage for our “outdoor lab."  

After receiving BYU’s RFP, a representative from iQ replied via email and offered to simply donate the saw. “It was like Christmas morning when I opened that email,” Skylar exclaimed. “Now we could use the grant money for other much needed equipment.”

Robert Barnett, Administration Manager of Construction Projects at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida experienced the same generosity… via a surprise donation. “Our students from the Residential Maintenance Technician Program planned a field trip to attend the 2022 International Builders Show. After walking through the exhibit halls, not much really called out to us, until we heard the unique sound of ripping tile. Our team was in awe of the iQ dry-cutting tile saw, and its complementing HVAC Dust Extractor. We realized what great potential there was for this in our program. Our students engaged in a lengthy Q&A with Paul Guth of iQ in his booth; taking turns cutting material and learning about choosing the right blade for the right project. Some of our students had no-idea of at-jobsite silica dangers. When the show was closing, Paul said to me, ‘If you have the means to load and transport, you can take all our at-exhibit equipment with you today!’  We were speechless!  Since the donation, we cannot imagine how our program could have survived without the dustless aspect only iQ offers.”

iQ Power Tools understands that introducing students to innovative, safe, and efficient tools during their studies will encourage students to not settle for anything less in their future careers. The company continues to build its educational efforts and training programs for those programs in need. “If we’ve trained just one up-and-coming mason, one tile setter, or one landscape contractor how to work more efficiently and safely, and to enjoy the artistry of what they are creating with our tools, then frankly, we’ve made a difference in the industry,” added Guth.