A Proven Model. A Scalable Solution.
Trade Jobs Matter’s chapter model is built to scale — from one city to every city in America.
The Real Problem
America has a workforce crisis hiding in plain sight. Over 650,000 construction jobs go unfilled every year — not because people don’t want to work, but because no one told them these jobs exist.
High schools push every student toward a four-year college degree, leaving trade careers invisible. Meanwhile, employers can’t find workers, and young people graduate with debt and no job.
Trade Jobs Matter fixes the information gap. We go directly into high schools and show students the real path to the middle class.
The Monthly Convening Model
Once a month, in every chapter city, we bring together students, employers, and community leaders for a structured 2-hour event.
Welcome & Introductions
Chapter Director welcomes students and sets the agenda. Employers introduce themselves and their companies.
Employer Panels
3–4 employers share their stories, career paths, salary ranges, and what they look for in new hires.
Career Pathway Maps
Students explore visual career pathway maps showing exactly how to enter and advance in trade careers.
Open Networking
Students connect 1-on-1 with employers. Job shadows, apprenticeships, and job offers happen here.
In Every High School
Our chapter model is designed to reach students where they are — in their own schools, in their own communities, with employers from their own region.
- Monthly convenings held at or near partner schools
- Students attend during school hours or after school
- Employers come to the students — not the other way around
- Career pathway maps distributed to every student
- Follow-up connections facilitated by Chapter Director
- Apprenticeship applications supported on-site
Career Pathway Steps
Attend a Convening
Students meet real employers and learn about trade careers for the first time.
Job Shadow
Students spend a day at a worksite seeing the job in action.
Summer Internship
Students earn while they learn during the summer before graduation.
Registered Apprenticeship
Students enter a paid apprenticeship program and begin their career.
Built to Scale
One chapter proves the model. Fifty chapters change the workforce.
Chapter-Based Model
Each chapter is led by a local director who knows their community. National support, local execution.
Low Cost to Launch
A chapter can launch with just one school, one employer, and one passionate leader.
Proven Playbook
Every chapter follows the same model that has already worked in cities across America.