From Classroom to Apprenticeship

Tree Trust YouthBuild graduate Beckett recently completed his senior year of high school at the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest. He is excited to move into a new career as a skilled trades professional. Like many of our Career Pathways participants, Beckett loves working with his hands. With the support of his Tree Trust YouthBuild trainers he honed his skills both in construction and tree care and moves forward with a robust resume of job site experience. As Beckett celebrates his eighteenth birthday this June, he will also begin his apprenticeship working as a glazier.

Beckett’s Story

Beckett knew he wanted to work in the skilled trades in ninth grade. His dad is a handyman, and Beckett grew up learning how to use tools. Through our partnership with Paladin Career and Technical High School, where Beckett attended until senior year, he discovered Tree Trust YouthBuild. His favorite days at Tree Trust were when he got to work in the field. From installing flooring and hanging doors at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homes to clearing invasive plants from the Midtown Greenway, Beckett appreciated giving back to the community. Beckett is excited to move directly into the workforce after high school, and his family is impressed with his dedication and hard work, both at Tree Trust and in school.

Beckett’s mom Denise is grateful for her son’s opportunities to explore various career pathways in the Tree Trust YouthBuild program. She shared, “The guidance and leadership that was given by the instructors was invaluable in helping him choose a path. The school and programs he participated in have made such a positive impact in his life!”

Training the Future Workforce

At Tree Trust, we believe in the power of skilled trades and green careers to shape bright futures. Our Career Pathways programs provide young people with hands-on experience in high-demand industries—fields that not only offer strong earning potential but also make a lasting impact on communities. Right now, businesses are searching for skilled workers to fill essential roles, and the need for trained professionals is only growing. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recognizes this urgent demand, and through their Drive for 5 initiative, they are investing in workforce development programs to support high-growth industries, including the skilled trades. Like Beckett, many young people will have the opportunity to move into a paid apprenticeship post high school.

Participants like Beckett remind us of our vision—a thriving workforce living on a healthy planet. His journey with Tree Trust has set him on a path to success, and his story is just one of many. Beckett encourages others to take that first step, explore new opportunities, and embrace the possibilities ahead. As he put it, “Don’t be scared to try new things. You never know what you’re going to like or enjoy the most.” With determination, hands-on experience, and the right support, the next generation of skilled trades professionals is ready to build a stronger future—one project, one career, and one success story at a time.