About Us

The Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation is the charitable arm of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan and is dedicated to strengthening the region's skilled trades workforce pipeline through awareness, access, and opportunity.

Our mission is to inspire, prepare, and support the next generation of skilled trades professionals by connecting students, educators, employers, and community partners. We work to address the growing workforce shortage facing construction, manufacturing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and other essential trades by providing career exploration, workforce development, and financial support programs.

The Foundation's work includes hands-on career awareness initiatives such as the Skilled Trades Explorers Program, which introduces middle school students to a variety of trade careers through interactive learning experiences and industry mentorship. The program helps young people explore rewarding career pathways while connecting them directly with local professionals and employers.

In addition to youth programming, the Foundation administers skilled trades scholarships and workforce access initiatives that help remove barriers to entering the trades, including support for tools, equipment, workwear, transportation, and training expenses. We also host workforce development events, educational programs, and industry partnerships designed to strengthen the talent pipeline across Northern Michigan.

As a regional nonprofit, we collaborate with schools, employers, workforce agencies, trade associations, and community organizati