Strategic Collaborations

Trade Trailblazers

Trade Trailblazers is an eight-week summer internship and career exploration program that was developed in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Designed specifically for high school students ages 17–18, this program introduces participants to a variety of union trades through hands-on technical training, safety certifications and career exploration.
 
Recruitment for the Trade Trailblazers program is coordinated through Rising Stars and BGCB’s workforce trades pipelines to ensure participants are ready for the work experience. Once enrolled, students gain early exposure to multiple trades before selecting two areas to explore more deeply. Alongside technical training, participants receive career readiness support such as resume workshops, interview preparation and mentorship from industry professionals.
 
By leveraging Julius Edu’s AI-powered career mapping tools, each participant leaves this program with industry-recognized credentials, a personalized career plan, and clear guidance toward further training or apprenticeship opportunities within the skilled trades.
 
Trade Trailblazers not only sets students on the path to meaningful careers but provides unions and contractors with a diverse, well-prepared workforce pipeline to ease labor shortages.