This project was picked as one of the eight finalists for the Stanford Design Challenge 2023-2024.
Overview
Tradeways is a non-profit bridge resource and community network connecting young adults to meaningful careers in the skilled trades.
Role and Responsibilities
Primary: Lead User Researcher
Additional roles: Social media manager
Problem Space
Resource Gap
$150
billion
VS
$1
billion
Annual federal and state level funding for higher education exceeds $150 billion, which covers instructional costs, but also career and counseling services, and social programming. Conversely, annual resources allocated for non-college or vocational pathways at the high school and post secondary level combined totals only $1 billion.
63%
Skills Gap
10%
increase in the industry
million unfilled jobs
There is a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the trades industry in the U.S. is expected to grow 10 percent by 2028. Estimates show that more than 3 million of these jobs will remain unfilled in that time, unless more robust pathways to these skills are implemented, and negative perceptions around pursuing these careers change.
is the average student debt-to-income ratio for young college graduates from middle to lower income brackets as they enter the workforce.
&
3
Stakeholder research - student survey
We surveyed 53 high-school students, aged 14-19, at Jefferson High School in Daly City, CA. The school serves a 96% minority population, with 35% of students qualifying as economically disadvantaged.
A large majority reported that they plan to attend at least a 2-yr college. A little over a quarter were unsure or planning to join the workforce right away. No one indicated intending to attend a trade school.
Persona
Stakeholder research - expert interviews’ insights
“There’s just not enough built-in knowledge and social manpower in our schools for us to help student navigate these decisions. I wish we had a community industry specialist, that could clearly communicate up-to-date industry needs and required qualifications.”
- Teacher at Oakland International High School
“The workforce is rapidly changing and to stay current on the “skills-that-pay-the-bills” requires that we bring industry and education together in more nimble, responsive pathways. We need to address the stigma around trades by showing that they are highly skilled and the future of success.”
- UC Davis Professor with expertise in designing CTE pathways
Problem Statement
Trade programs suffer from appearing outmoded and are often clandestine. Pathways to skills-that-pay-the bills need to be made accessible, relevant and desirable. Dismantling these negative perceptions requires greater community visibility and sustained knowledge sharing.
Proposed Solution
a non-profit bridge resource and community network connecting young adults to meaningful careers in the skilled trades.
Our Approach
Tradeways is a non-profit designed to raise awareness of the opportunities inherent to skilled trade careers, and energize pathways to employment in them. Concurrently, it aims to foster a visible community of interested young adults to combat the social stigma surrounding trades and non-college pathways.
The ambassador, or “Tradestar,” program is the core of our model, which would employ (pay!) select students on high school and community college campuses to inform peers about Tradeways’ programming. They also serve to build campus-specific "chapters" of interested individuals, made visible through student-led programming and branded/informational collateral.
In partnership with industry leaders and mentors, our free services include trade exploration and career roadmapping through our interactive website, hands-on skills workshops, and a peer-to-peer student ambassador program.
Stakeholders
Journey Map
Prototype- Ambassador Program
Ambassadors: the power of
relatability
Our ambassadors, or “Tradestars,” are select students from our partnering campuses. They are paid to act as an authentic and trusted conduit, promoting and connecting fellow peers to Tradeways programming.
By building campus "chapters" of trade-curious young people, Tradestars facilitate the sense of community needed to dispel stigma and build desirability.
This community is made visible through student-generated content and branded / informational collateral.
Visibility - community social media network
Peer-to-peer
content machine
Tradestars are paid, and other chapter members encouraged, to utilize personal social media accounts to share info with their respective networks.
Content guidelines include promoting upcoming workshops, documenting Tradeways experiences, brand placement, and personal accomplishments. Content will be cross-promoted with Tradeways’ accounts.
We will also pursue paid campaigns with trade influencers like @thefashionwelder, as well as local influencers like @sooakland and @beastmode (Marshawn Lynch).