WE
LIGHT
FIRES

The Trade Collective is an Evanston, Illinois nonprofit
formed in 2024 to connect Evanston Township High School
students to the trades.

Our organization responds to a problem of
supply and demand:
young people entering the workforce, and a critical
shortage of skilled workers in the trades.

A pool of talent.
A workforce in need.

We bridge the gap.

1 IN 4

ETHS students does not go to college

Source: Illinois Report Card

600K

skilled trade jobs remain unfilled nationwide

Source: The Manufacturing Institute

industries in our community, eager to hire

Source: Trade Collective Data/Analytics

We are building a program that will connect young people in
our community to local businesses eager to engage, train, and hire tomorrow’s workforce.

We are beginning at a moment when there is growing awareness
that college is not the only path to success, and increased
focus on the promising career opportunities available in the trades.

Our vision is inclusive and we seek to broaden the scope
of what is possible beyond high school, exposing all students to
the rich career opportunities in the skilled trades.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Trade Collective is to light a fire within young people and connect them to local businesses that provide learning opportunities that lead to careers in the trades.

Through local partnerships with education and industry, we empower young people to prosper, and remain vital contributors
to our community.

About the
Trade Collective

The Trade Collective is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the trades. We provide students with the information and connections they need to access opportunities in the skilled trades.

LEARN MORE

Our Team

Get to know the passionate volunteers who drive the mission of the Trade Collective and are working to empower the next generation of skilled trade professionals.

TEAM BIOS