Our Model – Trade Jobs Matter

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.

650K+

Unfilled construction jobs every year

80%

Of contractors can't find qualified workers

$0

Student debt for trade apprenticeships

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.

0:00 – 0:15

Welcome & Introductions

Chapter Director welcomes students and sets the agenda. Employers introduce themselves and their companies.

0:15 – 1:00

Employer Panels

3–4 employers share their stories, career paths, salary ranges, and what they look for in new hires.

1:00 – 1:30

Career Pathway Maps

Students explore visual career pathway maps showing exactly how to enter and advance in trade careers.

1:30 – 2:00

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

1

Attend a Convening

Students meet real employers and learn about trade careers for the first time.

2

Job Shadow

Students spend a day at a worksite seeing the job in action.

3

Summer Internship

Students earn while they learn during the summer before graduation.

4

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.

Want to Bring This Model to Your City?

We're actively expanding. Apply to launch a chapter in your community.

Launch a Chapter