About Us
People Need Careers. The Trades Need People. We Build the Bridge.
Trades Forward Foundation is a workforce-development nonprofit focused on connecting people — especially young people — to skilled-trade careers.
Why We Exist
Two problems, one bridge.
Trades Forward Foundation was created because America needs skilled workers and too many young people are graduating without understanding the opportunities available in the trades. Employers cannot find enough electricians, welders, plumbers, HVAC technicians, mechanics, equipment operators, and industrial workers. Meanwhile, students leave high school having heard about one path far more than any other.
Our biggest goal is reaching young people before they enter the workforce and showing them that skilled trades can provide meaningful, respected careers — with paid training, real advancement, and work that communities depend on.
At the same time, we believe opportunity should have no age limit. Adults and career changers are welcome to use our resources and programs as well. Veterans, unemployed workers, and anyone ready to build something new will find the same support.
Our mission
To introduce young people to skilled-trade careers and help them develop a real pathway into those careers — through discovery, hands-on experience, preparation, mentorship, and connections to training, apprenticeships, and employers.
How We Work
What We Believe
Show, don't tell
Students believe what they can see and touch. We bring real tools, real tradespeople, and real jobsites into the conversation.
Every path respected
We are pro-college and pro-trades. Our job is information, not pressure.
Opportunity has no age limit
Youth are our biggest focus, and adults and career changers are genuinely welcome.
Honest about what we can do
We won't overpromise. Assistance depends on programs and funding, and we say so plainly.
Who We Are
Our Leadership
Blain Nicholson
President
Jessica Nicholson
Director
Organizational Status
A new organization, building carefully.
Trades Forward Foundation is in its early stages. We are not currently a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are not tax deductible at this time. We will update this page if that status changes.