This local startup is running a new kind of trade school — and hiring its graduates

Summary

Forge, a Massachusetts-based startup, is innovating the trade school model by not only training apprentices in construction but also hiring them upon completion. With a focus on accessibility for Generation Z and underrepresented groups, Forge aims to address the skilled labor shortage in the construction industry while expanding its operations and training capacity.

The article highlights the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of creating pathways into the construction workforce. With numerous open positions and an aging workforce, initiatives like Forge are crucial in developing the next generation of trades workers and addressing labor shortfalls across the country.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This story illustrates the potential of innovative apprenticeship models to attract a diverse workforce into the trades, particularly for younger generations. It underscores the importance of addressing skilled labor shortages through targeted training programs, which is vital for the sustainability of industries reliant on skilled trades.