This quarter, the Trade Collective strengthened partnerships with educational allies Evanston Township High School (ETHS) and Oakton Community College to connect students with meaningful career opportunities in the skilled trades. The team hosted 356 career and technical education students from all grade levels for the ETHS Career and Technical Education Department Panel in October. Panel members were skilled tradespeople sharing their stories.
Collaborating with ETHS, the Trade Collective developed the first FASH (Freshman Advisory Study Hall) Skilled Trades event, where nearly 900 freshmen participated in hands-on skilled trades activities. During the November 17 event, students were encouraged to “See It. Be It.” Freshmen learned about skilled trade career pathways and discovered how their interests, skills, creativity, and curiosity can lead to in-demand, high-paying careers. Students had the opportunity to hear from notable leaders and professionals, including U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Lisa Guzman (Chicago Federation of Labor), Trade Collective Co-founder Neil Gambow, several skilled trades professionals, and ETHS Superintendent Marcus Campbell.
