Skilled Trade Training
Are toolbelts the new fanny packs? Perhaps not; however, skilled trades are trending with young people. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal classifies Gen Z as the “Toolbelt Generation.” In the ultimate question of fashion versus function, toolbelts win hands-down in both categories. Trade skills are timeless. With hard work and dedication, trade skills training leads to successful careers.
Generation Z (Gen Z) is the generation of people born between 1997 and 2012, currently between the ages of 12 and 27. Tree Trust’s Career Pathways programming proudly serves this generation through three distinct paid trade skills training programs.
Toolbelt Generation – Tree Trust YouthBuild
Tree Trust YouthBuild is our most construction-forward Career Pathways program. At a recent graduation ceremony, Senior Trainer and mentor John Carver congratulated the participants for their achievements. “You are all carpenters now. You can take these skills directly into a trade school program or pursue a career of your choice.” Graduate Darius said, “Tree Trust YouthBuild gave me the confidence to find my voice and the support to develop as a leader.” This year’s graduates honed their construction and tree care skills through an impressive list of projects.
• Home construction at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homes, and even a tiny home in the Tree Trust shop: Flooring, finishing work (hinges, knobs, sanding, painting), installing appliances and staircase rails, priming, materials disposal, caulking, and drywall patching
• Adirondack chair, bench, and picnic table construction
• Plumbing: Toilet installation and repair
• Tree Care: Invasive species removal (buckthorn and garlic mustard), tree/plant identification, tree felling (all participants over the age of 18 received chainsaw training and those under 18 had the opportunity to learn handsaw felling)
Tree Trust YouthBuild serves young people ages 16-21. Youth commit to earning their high school diploma while alternating between one week in school and one week at Tree Trust. In addition to earning industry-recognized credentials, they practice team building, communication, and even volunteer in the community.
Learn more about Tree Trust YouthBuild here.
Aspiring Arborists – Branches
Another toolbelt trade, arboriculture is the art of properly identifying, caring for, and managing trees, shrubs, and woody plants. Tree Trust’s Branches program provides paid, hands-on training for young adults interested in exploring the tree care career path. Participants plant and care for the trees in our community, learning from ISA certified arborists. Branches graduate Susie says, “I have found it extremely beneficial in the way we learn and apply our skills from our day at the office to going into the field. I have always known that I wanted to be a part of the green industry and being a part of Branches has opened my eyes to the wide array of possibilities and made them attainable for me.” Trade skills training helps aspiring arborists explore the opportunities of the trade without incurring the expense of a traditional four-year degree.
Branches is our pre-apprenticeship training program serving young adults ages 18-28. Find more information about this program here.
Skilled Trade Training Discovery – Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Our oldest program (implemented in 1977) serves our youngest participants. For many youth this program provides their first job experience. Young people learn basic skills using hand tools like hammers and saws, while working in teams completing landscape and construction projects. This approach allows SYEP participants the opportunity to flex their skills beautifying their communities. Many of our summer projects, like our classic Tree Trust timber staircases, continue to transform landscapes in underserved communities today! One participant commented, “The job was fun, and I got to learn how to use tools and I got to build a retaining wall, which will help the environment. I got to see nature every day I work. All those things combined are great.”
Tree Trust’s Summer Youth Employment Program serves youth ages 14-21. Find out more about this program here.
We know firsthand the power of skilled trade training to transform lives and landscapes. Even though trends are finite, Tree Trust proudly supports the toolbelt generation! Paid skilled trade training is an important part of the mission we have held steadfast since 1976!
