L.A. Skilled Trades Programs Expand as Demand Grows for AI-Resistant Career Training
Hundreds of Los Angeles County high school students will spend their summer gaining hands-on experience in construction, welding, solar installation, and other in-demand skilled trades through an expanded workforce development initiative supported by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. The growth of the L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers program comes at a time when public interest in career-focused education is reaching new heights, driven by concerns about workforce shortages, infrastructure demands, and the increasing impact of artificial intelligence on traditional career paths.
A recently released national survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago found overwhelming support among American voters for expanding skilled trades education in high schools. The survey revealed that voters across political affiliations consider skilled trades programs the most important elective funding priority for school districts, ranking them ahead of STEM education, business courses, arts programs, and physical education. The findings reflect a growing recognition that careers in construction, manufacturing, electrical work, plumbing, welding, and related trades continue to offer stable, rewarding, and resilient employment opportunities.
Expanding Opportunities for Los Angeles Youth
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, the flagship initiative of The Smidt Foundation, launched the L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers program in 2021 with the goal of introducing young people to hands-on career opportunities before graduation. What began as a relatively small regional effort has evolved into one of the largest youth skilled-trades training initiatives in Southern California.
In 2026, the program will serve more than 800 students across 11 locations throughout Los Angeles County, representing more than double the enrollment recorded in 2024. Since its inception, the initiative has provided training, career exposure, and paid work-based learning opportunities to more than 2,000 young people across the region.
The expansion reflects both rising student interest and increasing employer demand for skilled workers. Industry leaders continue to report shortages across construction, manufacturing, transportation, energy, and infrastructure sectors, creating a strong need for new talent entering the workforce.
Addressing Workforce Challenges in an AI Era
The program’s growth comes at a pivotal moment for the American labor market. As artificial intelligence and automation continue transforming many industries, policymakers, educators, and employers are seeking pathways that provide long-term career stability.
The NORC survey highlighted widespread concern about preparing students for an evolving economy. According to the findings, 94% of voters believe government should invest in career training programs that are resistant to disruption from AI technologies. Additionally, 95% agreed that expanding skilled trades opportunities in high schools would better prepare students for successful careers after graduation.
These findings underscore the importance of practical, hands-on occupations that require physical expertise, problem-solving abilities, technical knowledge, and on-site decision-making—skills that remain difficult to automate.
Belen Vargas, Senior Director of L.A. County Programs at Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, emphasized the lasting value of skilled trades careers.
“Skilled trades careers remain essential and resilient,” Vargas said. “Through hands-on learning and work experience, students build confidence, develop real-world skills, and explore pathways to meaningful careers. Year after year we see that giving students early access to these opportunities while they are still in high school can be life-changing.”
Earn-and-Learn Training Programs
Beginning June 1, participating students will engage in paid training programs lasting up to eight weeks. These earn-and-learn opportunities combine classroom instruction with practical work experience, allowing students to gain both technical skills and professional exposure.
Training pathways offered this summer include:
- Construction
- Welding
- Solar panel installation
- Automotive technology
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Electrical systems
- Woodworking
- Metal fabrication
- Building inspection
- Industrial fabrication
In addition to receiving wages for their participation, students will benefit from structured career readiness support, including mentorship, workplace preparation, resume development, and professional networking opportunities.
Many participants will also earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials that can help them pursue apprenticeships, postsecondary education, or immediate employment after graduation.
Connecting Skilled Trades with the Creative Economy
One of the program’s newest innovations in 2026 is the introduction of a specialized pathway exploring the intersection between skilled trades and creative industries.
Through a partnership involving Otis College of Art and Design and the TGR Foundation, 24 students will gain exposure to careers that combine craftsmanship, technical expertise, and creative design. The initiative demonstrates how skilled trades play an important role in fields such as architecture, entertainment production, product design, fabrication, and public art.
By highlighting these connections, organizers hope to attract students who may not traditionally consider trades careers but possess talents that align with hands-on technical work.
Creating Community Impact Through Student Projects
Several participating programs are introducing community-focused projects designed to give students real-world experience while improving local neighborhoods.
For example, welding students will fabricate and install public benches that can be used throughout their communities. Solar installation trainees will help support renewable energy projects by assisting with solar panel installations for local residents.
These projects allow students to apply newly acquired skills while seeing firsthand how their work can positively impact others.
The approach also reinforces the role skilled trades professionals play in building, maintaining, and improving communities.
Expanding Access Through Year-Round Programs
Due to strong demand and positive outcomes, some program partners are moving beyond summer-only operations.
BRIDGE Housing announced plans to expand its involvement into a year-round program beginning in Fall 2026. The initiative will serve approximately 120 students from the Jordan Downs and Evermont affordable housing communities.
The expansion aims to provide ongoing educational and workforce development opportunities for teenagers who may otherwise face barriers to accessing career training programs.
By creating a sustained learning environment, organizers hope to deepen student engagement and improve long-term career outcomes.
Supporting Community Recovery Through Construction Training
Another significant expansion involves Pasadena City College (PCC), which joined the Skilled Trades Summers network in 2025.
This year, PCC will increase participation to 110 students through a newly developed Construction Readiness pathway. The program is specifically designed to help students acquire skills that can contribute to rebuilding efforts following the devastating January 2025 fires that affected local communities.
For many students, the training provides both practical career preparation and an opportunity to contribute to their community’s recovery.
Victor Soto Marquez, a participant in last summer’s PCC program, highlighted the personal significance of the experience.
“Skilled Trades Summers is awesome,” he said. “It is really important for us to learn trades young, so we have real experience and know how to help our community. We are going to be the generation that will fix and build up Altadena again.”
Reversing Decades of Decline in Trades Education
The expansion also addresses a longstanding decline in vocational education across the United States.
Over the past several decades, many school districts reduced or eliminated shop classes, technical education programs, and trades-focused coursework. As a result, access to skilled trades education has become increasingly limited.
Today, only one in five public high schools in Los Angeles County offers any form of skilled trades instruction.
The NORC survey found that nearly 80% of voters consider this decline a significant problem and support increased investment in vocational and technical education.
Educators and workforce experts argue that restoring access to these programs is essential for addressing labor shortages while providing students with additional pathways to success.
Building Confidence and Career Readiness
Research consistently shows that students who participate in skilled trades education report stronger engagement with school and greater confidence about their future.
Compared with peers who have never taken a trades class, students involved in vocational training are more likely to enjoy school, believe they are receiving a quality education, and feel prepared for life after graduation.
Program instructors witness these transformations firsthand.
“Skilled Trades Summers is really a transformative program, and I can see it in the students,” said BRIDGE Housing instructor Jordan Ivie. “Typically, students come in with zero experience since they aren’t learning the trades in school. The interest is sparked; they fall in love with it.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The program is also helping broaden participation in industries that have historically lacked diversity.
Former participant Nataliah Castro, who attended La Mirada High School, said the experience helped challenge stereotypes and build confidence.
“It’s awesome seeing that I can do this, even though not many girls think they can,” Castro said. “It pushes me to continue to be better and makes me want to work hard in life. What we are doing here matters; it helps us prepare for the future.”
As Los Angeles continues investing in infrastructure, sustainability, housing, and community development, programs like Skilled Trades Summers are helping create a pipeline of talented young workers ready to meet future challenges. Through paid training, hands-on experience, and meaningful career pathways, the initiative is equipping hundreds of students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing economy.
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