Jobs in construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades have long offered paths to family-sustaining careers. However, women and people of color have faced steep barriers to entry into these fields – from inflexible childcare hours and unreliable transportation to deep-rooted employment practices that rely on personal networks, and biased training and hiring practices. As the workforce ages and industries face labor shortages, expanding the talent pipeline is crucial not only for workers, but also for businesses to remain vibrant. This initiative aims to build equitable pathways into these high-demand sectors.

The National Fund and our Network Partners collaborate with employers, unions, and training providers to expand access to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, remove entry barriers, and reform exclusionary systems. The goal is to ensure more people can access and remain in careers that were historically out of reach, fostering a more inclusive and resilient future that reflects the communities served.