Building Real Pathways to Work – A17H’s Partnership with Bring Back the Trades (BBTT)

Why This Partnership Exists

At Austin17House, we see the trades as a strong and often overlooked pathway for young people. Hands-on work can offer purpose, stability, and meaningful opportunity, especially for youth who learn best by doing.

We are inspired by the mission of Bring Back the Trades to bridge the skilled worker gap by empowering the next generation. Their work focuses on raising awareness of trade careers, reducing stigma, providing scholarships, and fostering meaningful connections between students, educators, and industry professionals.

They are already doing important and impactful work in this space, and we are energized by their vision and approach. Partnering with Bring Back the Trades allows us to expand what is possible for our youth by connecting them with experts who are actively shaping and strengthening these career pathways every day.

Why Partner with Bring Back the Trades

We chose to partner with Bring Back the Trades because of their clear commitment to making skilled trades visible, tangible, and approachable for young people.

Their work centers on exposure rather than assumptions, and exploration rather than early commitment. Instead of asking youth to decide on a path too soon, BBTT creates opportunities to try things, ask questions, and see what different kinds of work actually involve.

That approach aligns closely with how we think about learning at Austin17House and why this partnership is a strong and natural fit.

What We’re Doing Together

As part of this partnership, Austin17House youth will attend the Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo in Londonderry on April 18, 2026 as a structured field trip through the Training Academy.

This experience is intentionally timed for participants completing the “Adulting 101” program and beginning the “Job and Career Exploration” program at Austin17House. It will serve as a hands-on bridge between foundational skills and real-world exposure.

At the Skills Expo, youth will have the opportunity to:

• Explore a range of trades and technical career options

• Engage directly with professionals working in the field

• Participate in hands-on activities that make different pathways feel real

Any youth or young adult who would like to join us for this trip is welcome. Transportation will be available. To learn more or reserve a spot, please email trainingacademy@austin17house.org.

What We’re Learning

The Skills Expo will give participants a chance to notice their own reactions in real time.

As youth engage in the Expo, we will support them in making sense of the experience by helping them consider:

• Which activities or environments feel energizing or motivating

• What types of work feel interesting, challenging, or unexpected

• Where they may want more preparation, practice, or information

These reflections will carry back into the Training Academy, shaping follow-up conversations, individual goal setting, and future programming. The goal is not to push youth toward a decision, but to help them better understand themselves and how different work environments align with their strengths and interests.

Why This Matters for Our Community

As conversations about workforce readiness and skilled labor continue across our region, it is critical that young people are given real opportunities to explore their options, not just advice about what they should do.

By partnering with Bring Back the Trades, Austin17House is expanding access to hands-on experiences that help youth better understand themselves, their interests, and the kinds of work that may be a good fit.

We are grateful to the Bring Back the Trades team for welcoming our youth and for their commitment to creating meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities.

Ready to Get Involved?

Interested in building real-world communication skills, confidence, and workplace readiness? Apply to the Workforce Readiness program at the Training Academy.

Join us for the Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo in Londonderry on April 18, 2026.

To learn more or reserve a spot, email trainingacademy@austin17house.org.

For Employers & Community Partners

Want to support youth skill-building through mock interviews, feedback sessions, or exposure to real workplace expectations? Partner with Austin17House by emailing trainingacademy@austin17house.org.

Program Schedule

Youth may commit to a full series or drop in to explore.

• Adulting 101

  • Mar 4 – Apr 22, 2026 | Wed | 6:30–7:30 PM

• Job & Career Exploration

  • Apr 29 – May 27, 2026 | Wed | 6:30–7:30 PM

• Summer Immersion: Adulting 101 & Workplace Readiness

  • July 2026 | Mon–Fri | Dates and Times TBD

• Fall Workplace Readiness & Postsecondary Exploration

  • Oct – Nov 2026 | Dates TBD