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PATH TO PRO Unclaimed

Workforce Development

www.pathtopro.com

Path to Pro is a Home Depot–backed, free trades career network that trains, connects, and places skilled tradespeople with hiring professionals.

PATH TO PRO is a Home Depot–backed initiative that builds the next generation of trades professionals by providing free, on-demand training and a connected network of hiring Pros. It combines the Path to Pro Skills Program—web-based courses with knowledge checks and completion certificates—with the Path to Pro Network, a free career network that helps tradespeople create profiles, showcase portfolios, and connect with contractors who are hiring. The program serves a broad audience including students, parents and advisors, veterans and transitioning service members, and seasoned trades professionals seeking new opportunities. Through a library of resources, training modules, and employer collaborations, Path to Pro aims to reduce barriers to entry, improve job-readiness, and accelerate pathways into well-paying careers in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other skilled trades. The initiative emphasizes accessible education, career development, and equitable access to opportunities, with organizational partners and foundations supporting training, scholarships, and outreach.

Our mission is to empower and build the next generation of trades professionals and provide Pros access to ready-to-hire job seekers.

What we offer

Path to Pro Skills Program

Service

Free training program to equip learners with essential skills for trades careers.

www.pathtopro.com/free-training/

Path to Pro Network

Connects skilled tradespeople with hiring Pros through a free career network.

www.pathtopro.com/find-jobs/

Path to Pro Military Program

Service

Equips veterans with essential skills and certifications to transition into high-demand skilled trades.

www.pathtopro.com/military/

Path to Pro High School & Youth Program

Service

Empowers youth with hands-on training and industry partnerships in skilled trades.

Path to Pro Scholarships

Service

Empower future tradespeople with financial support for skilled training.

Path to Pro Academy Program

Service

Provides training and certification for careers in skilled trades for diverse and underserved populations.

hbi.org/academies/

Path to Pro Entrepreneurship Program

Service

Empowers aspiring trades entrepreneurs through comprehensive guidance and resources.

Skilled Trades Resource Library

Access Free Resources and Guides for Skilled Trades Professionals.

www.pathtopro.com/resources-library/

Market segments

Online vocational training and certification

Web-based, on-demand trades training with knowledge checks, completion certificates, multilingual content, and industry-aligned curricula to prepare learners for employment.

Pre-apprenticeship and veteran transition

Pre-apprenticeship credentials and base-level program delivery designed to transition service members and veterans into skilled trades apprenticeships and jobs.

Career and technical education for youth

Curriculum and hands-on CTE programs for high school students and youth that combine practical training, resume and interview preparation, and industry partnerships to create pathways into trades careers.

Skilled trades talent marketplace and hiring network

Platforms that connect trades jobseekers with hiring contractors through profiles, portfolios, free job posting, candidate review, and direct hiring connections.

Entrepreneurship and small business development for trades

Virtual programs and resource libraries that guide trades professionals through starting and growing trade-focused businesses, including mentorship and business resources.

Scholarships and financial assistance for trades education

Scholarship and grant programs that provide targeted financial support for trades learners, including veteran-focused awards and foundation-backed scholarships.

More information about our offering

Path to Pro Skills Program

A free, on-demand training program that introduces learners to the skilled trades. It includes three tracks—Skills Basics, Trades Essentials, and Additional Training—delivered as web-based courses with knowledge checks and completion certificates. The program also provides resume and interview training and exclusive access to an online job marketplace. Courses are led by industry professionals and are offered at no cost, with content available in multiple languages.

  • Connects With Employers
    Allows graduates to be easily found by hiring professionals, enhancing employment opportunities.
  • Affordability
    Eliminates financial barriers, making skilled trades training accessible to everyone.
  • Validates Learning
    Ensures participants understand course material with assessments and certifies their completion.
  • Flexible Learning
    Allows learners to study at their own pace, fitting training into their schedules.
  • Improves Accessibility
    Increases access to the program for non-English speakers, promoting inclusivity.
  • Enhances Employability
    Equips participants with essential skills to succeed in job applications.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum
    Offers a structured approach to learning fundamental and advanced trade skills.
  • Certification Recognition
    Certifies participants' skills and knowledge, enhancing their credentials in the job market.

Path to Pro Network

A free careers network that connects skilled tradespeople with hiring contractors. Users can create profiles, showcase portfolios, and be found by Pros. The network enables posting jobs for free and allows Pros to review candidates' experience and qualifications, facilitating direct hiring connections.

  • Facilitates Immediate Job Offers
    By allowing direct communication, this feature streamlines the hiring process, enabling faster job placements and reducing the time spent on recruitment.
  • Accessible For All Tradespeople
    This feature supports equal opportunities, allowing anyone in the trades to join and benefit from the network without financial barriers.
  • Empowers Pros To Select Best Candidates
    This feature allows hiring professionals to evaluate the skills and background of job applicants, ensuring a better fit for their specific needs.
  • Showcases Skills And Experience
    By enabling tradespeople to present their qualifications visually, it enhances their chances of being noticed by potential employers.
  • No-Cost Job Advertisements
    Hiring Pros can easily fill vacancies without incurring costs, enhancing their ability to find skilled labor quickly.
  • Enhances Career Development Opportunities
    This feature provides users with the essential training needed to excel in their trades, leading to better job performance and employability.

Path to Pro Military Program

A Path to Pro program for transitioning service members and veterans, offered in partnership with Home Builders Institute (HBI). The program provides an industry-recognized pre-apprenticeship certification (PACT) across multiple military bases to facilitate entry into skilled trades.

  • Offers Certification Across Bases
    Ensures accessibility for service members transitioning into civilian careers by providing relevant industry certification at their locations.
  • Provides Recognized Certification
    Validates competencies gained during training, enhancing employability in the skilled trades workforce.
  • Targets Veteran Employment
    Addresses unique challenges faced by veterans, offering dedicated support for their transition into civilian trades careers.
  • Ensures Industry-Current Curriculum
    Collaborating with HBI keeps training materials relevant to industry standards, increasing job readiness.
  • Accessible Skill Development
    Eliminates financial barriers, allowing veterans to gain essential skills at no cost.
  • Learn at Your Own Pace
    Participants can complete the program at their convenience, ensuring better engagement and learning.

Path to Pro High School & Youth Program

A Path to Pro initiative offering curriculum and hands‑on training for high school students and youth, designed to introduce young people to the skilled trades in partnership with industry groups such as HBI and Construction Ready.

  • Connects Graduates with Employers
    Facilitates direct interactions between newly trained individuals and hiring professionals, enhancing job placement opportunities.
  • Enhances Training Quality
    Utilizes expertise from established industry organizations to ensure relevance and effectiveness of the training program.
  • Provides Structured Learning
    Engages students in comprehensive educational experiences that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills necessary for success in trades.
  • Prepares for Employment
    Equips participants with essential employability skills that go beyond technical training, preparing them for successful job interviews and workplace integration.
  • Targets Young Learners
    Specifically designed to cater to the educational needs and career aspirations of younger individuals entering the trades.

Path to Pro Scholarships

Scholarship programs connected to Path to Pro, including SkillPointe Foundation scholarships and Folds of Honor scholarships. These programs support trade education, with applications open year‑round for SkillPointe and a defined window for Folds of Honor (next opening Feb 1, 2025) for eligible veterans and family members.

  • Open Year-Round Applications
    Available to all individuals seeking education in skilled trades throughout the year, enabling broad accessibility.
  • Supports Veterans' Education
    Offers financial aid to veterans and their families for trade education, addressing workforce gaps.

Path to Pro Academy Program

An academy program offering training and certification in the skilled trades for diverse adult populations and underserved communities, delivered in partnership with HBI to expand access to formal credentials.

  • Improve Access To Education
    This feature aims to empower individuals from various backgrounds to enter the skilled trades, ensuring equitable opportunities.
  • Obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials
    Participants gain valuable credentials that enhance their qualifications and job prospects in the skilled trades.
  • Leverage Industry Expertise
    The partnership with HBI ensures that the training provided meets industry standards, enhancing employability.
  • Connect With Hiring Professionals
    Participants can leverage this network to find jobs, internships, and mentorship opportunities in the trades.
  • Study At Your Own Pace
    With flexible, on-demand training, participants can balance learning with other responsibilities like work or family.

Path to Pro Entrepreneurship Program

An entrepreneurship program to support aspiring trades entrepreneurs, providing a virtual pathway developed in partnership with Bunker Labs. It guides participants in starting and growing a trade-focused business.

  • Facilitates Business Startups
    The program offers step-by-step instructions and resources for tradespeople to effectively launch and manage their businesses.
  • Access Expert Guidance
    Leverages Bunker Labs' expertise to provide tailored business advice and resources for veterans and military spouses entering trades.
  • Provides Flexible Learning
    Participants can learn at their own pace, fitting the program into their schedules, ensuring broad access.
  • Offers Extensive Tools
    Includes business templates, marketing strategies, and financial planning guides essential for business development.
  • Connects with Employment Opportunities
    After completing the program, participants can showcase their skills and connect with millions of potential employers.

Skilled Trades Resource Library

A library of free resources, videos, and guides designed to support Path to Pro participants. It groups materials into categories such as program overview, students, parents and advisors, and trades professionals, and includes how-to guides, program flyers, and a social media kit.

  • Enhance Career Skills
    Get free and comprehensive training materials aimed at improving skills and job readiness for various skilled trades.
  • Organized Access to Resources
    Navigate the resource library easily with categorized content tailored to specific user needs, facilitating targeted information discovery.
  • Access Practical Guides
    Explore step-by-step how-to guides and detailed program flyers tailored for different users, enhancing the experience for tradespeople and educators.
  • Facilitate Professional Connections
    Utilize the resource library to find networking opportunities with industry professionals, enhancing career prospects and mentorship.
  • Promote Initiatives Effectively
    Leverage high-quality videos and a social media kit for effective communication and outreach promoting the benefits of skilled trades.