The TradeJobsMatter
Model
We don’t just train students — we build ecosystems that connect young people, employers, educators, and tradespeople in every community.
The Crisis
The Real Problem
Students aren’t making bad choices — they’re making uninformed ones. Most high schoolers have never met a working tradesperson, visited a job site, or heard what trades actually pay. We change that.
Never met a tradesperson
Never visited a job site
Never heard real earnings
Never told trades are viable
Core Innovation
The Monthly Workforce Convening
Every month, we bring together everyone who matters — in one room, for 75 minutes.
What Happens at a Convening
Students, parents, employers, educators, and tradespeople — all connected.
15 min
Tradesperson Spotlight
Real stories from working professionals — career path, daily work, actual earnings
15 min
Employer Panel
Local employers share hiring needs, what they look for, how to apply
15 min
School Pathways
CTE programs, certifications, apprenticeship info from educators
30 min
Calls to Action
Commitments made, connections facilitated, next steps clear
School Partnerships
In Every High School
Our partnerships go beyond career day. We embed ongoing trade exposure throughout the school year.
Ongoing Exposure
Not one-off events but continuous engagement throughout the year
Employer Connections
Direct pathways from classroom to job opportunities
Apprenticeship Access
Structured pipelines to paid training programs
Parent Education
Engaging families as they support trade career choices
Student Journey
Your Pathway to a Trade Career
From exploration to career launch — here’s how students progress.
Exploration
Attend a convening or workshop. Meet real tradespeople. Discover what’s possible.
Foundation
Begin introductory courses or pre-apprenticeship. Learn safety, tools, fundamentals.
Apprenticeship
Join a paid apprenticeship through our partners. Earn while you learn.
Career Launch
Complete certifications. Start earning $40K–$60K+. Build toward six figures.
National Expansion
Built to Scale
Polk County is just the beginning. We’re building a national network of city chapters, each running monthly workforce convenings that connect students directly to employers and apprenticeship opportunities.
City leaders own local execution. We provide the playbook, brand, technology, and support infrastructure.
15+ cities by end of 2025. Every state by 2030.
NationalStrategy, funding, brand standards
StateRegional coordination, state partnerships
CountyMulti-city oversight, school district links
CityDirect execution, monthly convenings
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you’re a student, employer, school, or community leader — there’s a role for you.