Secure Your Future and Build a Resilient Nation: The Power of Trade Skills!

To our young people entering high school or those with a college degree who are finding limited options, and as you stand at the threshold of new possibilities, have you ever considered a less traveled but equally rewarding path? With the world changing rapidly, the demand for trade skills such as welding, building, and repairing is rising, and you could be part of this exciting revolution.

Time to Explore

Did you know that skilled trade jobs are expected to grow steadily over the next decade? From construction to manufacturing, there will be abundant opportunities for those looking to start a new, rewarding career​. Careers such as residential electricians, broadband and Internet installers, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and construction-carpenters offer a stable income and allow you to use your problem-solving skills and work with your hands​​.

Our tribal nations urgently need infrastructure enhancement, and the potential in this field is immense. And although the “green” economy is booming for some middle-class Americans, these green jobs are largely blocked to Native Americans. The state of our infrastructure is a pressing issue, as it directly impacts our economy and safety. Traffic congestion in urban areas alone costs our economy over $120 billion per year, and delays due to the poor condition of our airports cost over $35 billion annually​.

Infrastructure Development Needs You

Investing in infrastructure isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about boosting our economy. Every $1 spent on infrastructure investments can add as much as $3 to gross domestic product (GDP) growth​​. Our country’s infrastructure, from transportation to water and energy systems and broadband access, is severely strained and requires significant investment and enhancement​​.

We have a vast “infrastructure investment gap” of nearly $2.6 trillion this decade that, if unaddressed, could cost the United States $10 trillion in lost GDP by 2039​​. Here’s where you come in. By learning a trade skill, you’re not just securing your future. Still, you’re contributing to bridging this gap and building a stronger nation.

Our Call to Action

The call for building a resilient community isn’t just limited to our tribal lands. It’s a national call to action. Infrastructure needs are universal – good roads, reliable broadband, housing, and more. They all matter and need skilled hands to build, maintain, and improve them.

More Resources

• United Tribes Technical College (TTC) offers a Welding Technology program that provides hands-on training in various welding techniques and prepares students for the American Welding Society certification test.
• The Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC) offers a Registered Apprenticeship program, which allows individuals to gain industry-recognized credentials and a pathway to established careers while earning a wage. It’s a workforce development model that combines job-related instruction with on-the-job learning. 
• Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) offers students to learn how computer systems connect to networks and the Internet and gain hands-on experience setting up networks by programming routers and managing data traffic.

Develop hard skills, pursue skilled trades! Trade school offers vocational training in high-demand trades like plumbing, electrical work, welding, and carpentry. Certified programs, apprenticeships, job placement assistance. Invest in your future, thrive in a competitive job market. Explore trade careers now!

A world of opportunity is waiting for you in the form of trade skills, and we strongly encourage you to explore this path. Look for career pathways or workforce development opportunities in your area. Remember, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Build your future, build your nation!