Free Skilled-Trades Training
Empower Trade is a nonprofit that helps adults from underserved communities start careers in the skilled trades through free hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship, and job placement support.
Who we are
HOW WE CREATE REAL CHANGE
Empower Trade is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development organization based in Sacramento, California. We work with adults who want a stable, well-paying career but face barriers to getting started, such as the cost of trade school, lack of tools, no industry connections, or a gap in their work history.
Our program is completely free for participants. We provide the instruction, the safety training, the mentorship, and the connections to local employers. Participants bring the commitment.
Hands-On Training
Participants learn the fundamentals of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry through practical workshops covering tool safety, trade math, reading plans, and basic diagnostics.
One-on-One Mentorship
Every participant is paired with an experienced tradesperson who offers guidance, answers questions, and helps them understand what day-to-day work in the trade really looks like.
Job Placement Support
We help graduates prepare resumes, practice interviews, and connect with local employers who are hiring for entry-level and apprentice positions.
Sustainable Employment & Economic Mobility
The skills gap in the trades presents a massive opportunity. Our programs empower historically underrepresented talent with high-value technical capabilities. By funding training and removing financial barriers, we help individuals transform from entry-level applicants into self-sufficient entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Technical Training
Mentorship Programs
Community Workshops
About Us
Our Commitment as a 501(c)(3) Organization
Empower Trade is built on a foundation of absolute transparency and community equity. We direct our resources toward tools, materials, and training stipends for individuals from underserved neighborhoods who are eager to work.
Through our local partnerships, we aim to reverse economic stagnation, fight systemic poverty, and revitalize local workforces. By investing in human potential, we build stronger communities from the ground up.
How the program works
Our structured, community-driven workforce pipeline takes passionate individuals from day one of training to long-term economic independence. Discover how our three-phase approach bridges the gap between ambition and a thriving career in the trades.
Phase 1: Foundation
Participants complete safety training and learn core skills: tool use, measurement and trade math, and job-site safety.
Phase 2: Mentorship and Field Experience
Each participant works alongside a mentor to see real job sites, practice skills, and learn how the trade operates day to day.
Phase 3: Career Integration
We help graduates build a resume, prepare for interviews, and apply for positions with our employer partners.