Adults & Career Changers
It's Never Too Late to Learn a Trade.
Our biggest focus is young people — but opportunity should have no age limit. Trades Forward Foundation also supports adults who want a different career, including career changers, veterans, and workers between jobs.
A Realistic Path
Many trades pay you while you train.
Registered apprenticeships combine paid work with classroom instruction, which makes a career change possible without walking away from an income.
Adults often bring exactly what employers want: reliability, customer skills, safety awareness, and a reason to stay. We'll help you translate the experience you already have into a trade that will still be here in twenty years.
Veterans
Military training in electrical, mechanical, construction, logistics, and maintenance often transfers directly. We can help you map your MOS/rating to civilian trades, identify veteran-friendly apprenticeships, and prepare for entrance testing.
How We Help
Support for Adult Entrants
Choosing a trade
Match your interests, physical preferences, schedule, and long-term goals to trades that fit.
Understanding training requirements
Licensing, required hours, classroom instruction, and what employers expect at entry.
Finding apprenticeships
Where to look, when programs open, and how to build an application that stands out.
Certification preparation
Study direction for credentials like EPA 608, ASE, AWS, NIMS, and OSHA cards.
Training resources
Trade math, mechanical aptitude, and entrance-exam preparation at your own pace.
Employer connections
Introductions to local employers and partners who hire and train adult entrants.