Workforce Development Nonprofit
America Needs the Next Generation of Skilled Workers.
We're Helping Build It.
Trades Forward Foundation introduces young people to skilled-trade careers and provides pathways to training, apprenticeships, certifications, mentorship, and employment. We also help adults and career changers who are ready to build a new future in the trades.
People Need Careers · The Trades Need People · We Build the Bridge
The Opportunity
The Trades Need a Next Generation
Thousands of skilled workers will retire over the coming years, while employers continue to need electricians, welders, plumbers, HVAC technicians, mechanics, equipment operators, industrial workers, and other skilled professionals.
Many young people simply have never been shown these opportunities. No one brought a tool to their classroom, walked them through an apprenticeship application, or told them a skilled trade can be a respected, well-paying, lifelong career.
Trades Forward Foundation wants to change that.
18+
Skilled trades in our career library
4
Program areas from discovery to employment
12
Ways to partner, mentor, or sponsor
Why This Matters
The Opportunity Is Already Here
The next generation of skilled workers is not a problem to solve — it is an opportunity to build together. These numbers show why every student deserves to understand every option.
7.4 MILLION
Job openings across America
The United States has millions of open jobs, and many career paths do not require a traditional four-year college degree.
$1.7 TRILLION
In outstanding student-loan debt
Young people should understand all of their options before deciding which education and career path is right for them.
Skills. Training. Opportunity.
Many careers begin with hands-on training
Apprenticeships, certifications, and a willingness to learn and work open doors to respected, well-paying careers.
A successful future doesn't have only one path.
Millions of careers require skills, training, certifications, apprenticeships, and people who are willing to learn and work. Trades Forward Foundation exists to make sure the next generation knows these opportunities are available and understands how to reach them.
Every student deserves to know every path to success.
College is a great path for many students. Skilled trades are another powerful path — and young people deserve the opportunity to explore both.
Main Program Areas
From First Exposure to First Paycheck
Four connected programs help people discover skilled trades, prepare for entry, and get into training and employment.
1. Youth Trade Exploration
We go to where young people already are — classrooms, career days, and community programs — and show them what a career in the skilled trades actually looks like.
- School presentations
- Career days
- Hands-on demonstrations
- Trade career education
- Trade aptitude exploration
- Mentorship
- Summer programs
- Employer visits
- Apprenticeship education
- Trade-school education
- Career planning
Explore Trade Careers
Browse a growing library of skilled trades — what the work is, where you'd work, training paths, certifications, and how to get started.
Explore the TradesTest & Apprenticeship Prep
Free and low-cost resources for apprenticeship entrance exams and certification tests: trade math, mechanical aptitude, spatial reasoning, and more.
Start PreparingFind Your Path
Guidance built around who you are — student, graduate, career changer, veteran, employer, or educator.
Find Your PathCareer Library
Explore Skilled-Trade Careers
Every trade has its own page covering the work, the training path, apprenticeships, certifications, and advancement.
Construction
Electrician
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot the electrical systems that power homes, schools, hospitals, and industry.
View careerIndustrial
Welder
Join metal with heat and precision — from structural steel and pipe to pressure vessels and fabrication.
View careerConstruction
Plumber
Install and service the water, waste, gas, and process piping systems that buildings depend on.
View careerMechanical
HVAC Technician
Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View careerConstruction
Carpenter
Build the structures and finishes that shape buildings — framing, formwork, interiors, and more.
View careerConstruction
Heavy Equipment Operator
Operate excavators, dozers, loaders, and cranes that move earth and build infrastructure.
View careerFind Your Path
Where Do You Fit In?
Choose the description that sounds most like you and we'll point you to the right resources.
I'm a Student
Middle and high school students exploring what comes after graduation.
Get startedI'm a Recent Graduate
You finished high school and you're ready to start earning and learning.
Get startedI'm Changing Careers
Adults who want to move into a skilled trade with real long-term value.
Get startedI'm a Veteran
Apply your military training and discipline to a civilian trade career.
Get startedI'm an Employer
Support, mentor, and recruit the next generation of skilled workers.
Get startedI'm an Educator
Bring trade presentations, demos, and career events to your students.
Get startedSupport the Mission
Help Build the Next Generation of Skilled Workers.
Contractors, manufacturers, unions, apprenticeship programs, trade schools, foundations, and individual donors all have a role to play.