Following a highly successful pilot last spring, the Future in Focus: Made to Trade program is returning for its second edition—with even bigger opportunities on the horizon, including plans for an internship spinoff program currently in development.
The initial pilot brought together 17 students from Chantilly High School and Osbourn High School across three immersive, hands-on sessions. Through active job site visits, interactive roundtable discussions, and a dynamic “Skills Olympics” led by associate project managers from E.E. Reed, students gained direct exposure to traditional and emerging construction pathways.
Pilot Impact:
- 4 pursued trade pathways, interviewing or securing full-time jobs at Ennis Electric and Carter Machinery.
- Others entered union programs, homebuilding contracting, or construction-related higher education.
Students highlighted the engaging, open environment created by company staff, noting how welcoming leaders were to their questions. In turn, industry professionals were impressed by how prepared, curious, and ready to learn the students were throughout each session.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Future in Focus
This upcoming year, the program expands its roadmap to provide deeper industry connection and a direct line to recruitment:
- November Trade Skills Day Kickoff: Students will launch their experience by attending ABC Virginia’s Trade Skills Day, November 10th, 9-1pm Dulles Chapter.
- Exploratory Sessions & Skills Olympics: Participants will join two dedicated exploratory sessions and compete in hands-on Skills Olympics mentored directly by craft professionals.
- Guided Application Day: Program leaders will work one-on-one with students, guiding them through the application process for positions across the industry.
- Signing Day Finale: The program culminates in a celebratory Signing Day, honoring selected students and the employer partners extending final job offers.
Why Member Companies Should Get Involved
For member companies looking to invest in top-tier entry-level talent, Future in Focus offers a unique recruiting advantage.
Unlike traditional career fairs, the students participating in this cohort are individually vetted and highly motivated. Every participant is personally known to program leaders—educators, coaches, and mentors who have had in-depth conversations with them about trade careers. These students aren’t being “voluntold” to participate; they are actively choosing to explore the industry, coming in question-ready, enthusiastic, and eager to step into the workforce.
While a single initiative cannot solve the industry’s ongoing labor shortage, Future in Focus is actively bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. By engaging with this year’s cohort, your company has the chance to mentor, evaluate, and recruit the next generation of trade professionals before they enter the job market.