Talking Trades with John Carver
Meet John Carver, Senior Trainer for Tree Trust YouthBuild—a man whose passion for building extends far beyond construction projects. For John, every day on the job is his favorite. With a wealth of experience that includes running his own window & door replacement business, he brings invaluable expertise to Tree Trust. But it’s not just his skills that make him a standout—it’s his dedication to the growth of the young people he trains.
“We have happy moments every day where [we] see people grow,” John shared. “I’ve watched kids go from tears, afraid of a tool, to becoming one of our best carpenters.”
Talking Trades – Tree Trust YouthBuild
Tree Trust YouthBuild is a transformative program providing paid training to high school students facing an interrupted education. As someone who overcame his own challenges, John knows firsthand how life-changing skilled trade careers can be. Today, John uses his story and skills to inspire young people at Tree Trust to reach their potential, proving that with the right tools—both literal and figurative—anything is possible.
John’s Trade Journey
At age nine, John moved in with his foster family. Growing up in a three-story Victorian home in Saint Paul, he was no stranger to hard work. His family’s ongoing remodeling projects sparked his love for building. While his first solo build was a scooter—made from an old skateboard and a makeshift handle, John is most proud of the garage he built with his dad. John lived in this home until he was eighteen, crediting his foster family for saving his life. He fondly recalls the canopy of elm trees that once lined the streets of his Crocus Hill neighborhood—trees that sparked his first connection with Tree Trust. When the Dutch elm disease epidemic hit in the 1970’s and all his beloved trees were removed, it was Tree Trust who came out and replanted his boulevard. John often drives by his old family home and is pleased to report that the tree canopy and community are thriving.
From Master to Mentor
After a successful career as a master tradesperson, John’s journey has come full circle. At Tree Trust, he shares his expertise with the next generation of skilled trade workers by teaching worksite safety and construction basics through a hands-on approach. John describes these fundamentals as the critical path to construction. “We teach kids how to measure, lay out marks, cut, and fasten—just like modern construction does,” John explains. “And how do we do that? With specific skill stations in the shop.”
Talking Trades – Crafting Confidence
Participants start with a project that’s both practical and symbolic: building Adirondack chairs. John cherishes this milestone because it’s when participants see their skills take shape in something tangible. “The chairs get the ball rolling,” he says. “Next, we build picnic tables and two types of benches.” These creations are more than just projects; they directly benefit the community. This year, Tree Trust YouthBuild teams constructed enough benches and picnic tables to create outdoor classrooms at six Twin Cities elementary schools in collaboration with our Learning with Trees™ program.
Building Community
For John, the joy of seeing his crew make a lasting impact on the community is unmatched. One project stands out as his favorite: an outdoor amphitheater he and a recent YouthBuild crew installed at a St. Cloud school. It’s a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of these projects—not just for the participants, but for the communities we serve. With the demand for skilled trade workers on the rise, Tree Trust YouthBuild prepares participants to meet that need through paid pre-apprenticeship training.
For countless young people, John is more than a trainer—he’s a guide and mentor, helping them unlock their potential and build a future they can be proud of. Under his leadership, young people transform raw materials into tangible achievements, constructing and installing projects with skill and purpose. Discover how Tree Trust’s YouthBuild program is shaping the next generation of skilled workers and opening doors to brighter futures. Click here to learn more.
