Path to Pro: Connecting Job Seekers with Opportunities in Skilled Trades
September marks the celebration of Workforce Development Month, and The Home Depot is excited to showcase its Path to Pro initiative. This program offers resources for skilled trades, vocational training, and career networking opportunities through PathtoPro.com, the Skills Program, and the Network.
One of the participants in this program is Brandon Williams, a residential contractor who joined the Skills Program and the Path to Pro Network, which helped him land his first job in the skilled trades. Brandon had always been interested in the trades, but it was through Path to Pro that he discovered the potential for a career in this field. As a child, he enjoyed participating in Kids Workshops. “I’ve always enjoyed building things,” he recalls. “Path to Pro allowed me to explore this interest and see if it was something I wanted to pursue professionally.”
Path to Pro provided Brandon with a combination of online vocational training and practical experience, laying the groundwork for his career. “I had some skills for personal projects, but I wasn’t fully trained for a professional job. Path to Pro enabled me to get the training I needed,” explains Brandon. “The flexibility to learn at my own pace and in my own time was one of the best aspects of the program.”
Through the Path to Pro Network, Brandon was contacted by a potential employer, marking the beginning of his journey in the skilled trades. “I had been searching for a job in this field for months before I found out about Path to Pro. Most employers prefer candidates with experience, and Path to Pro really helped me in that regard.”
On his first day on the job, Brandon was involved in a bathroom demolition project under the guidance of his supervisor. This hands-on training proved invaluable. “Every day brings something new, which is what I love about my job.”
As the Skills Program is expanding to include Spanish-language resources, Brandon is looking forward to sharing this opportunity with his Spanish-speaking colleagues. Looking ahead, Brandon is determined to make a significant impact in the skilled trades.
“Eventually, I would love to run my own company. I’d love to do what she [supervisor] did for me – hire new people, teach them and set that path forward." When asked if he could see himself hiring through the Path to Pro Network in the future, Brandon exclaimed, “One hundred percent! I wouldn’t really be here right now if it weren’t for Path to Pro.”
“Honestly, the biggest thing I can say is thank you,” said Brandon. I love being able to go to work every day doing what I love, and I wouldn’t be able to do that without Path to Pro.”
Since its establishment, the Path to Pro initiative has seen over 8,000 individuals sign up for the Skills Program. The Path to Pro Network has connected over 12,000 job seekers with millions of The Home Depot’s Pro customers across the country and has offered exclusive access to more than 2,200 job opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about careers in the skilled trades, click here
One of the participants in this program is Brandon Williams, a residential contractor who joined the Skills Program and the Path to Pro Network, which helped him land his first job in the skilled trades. Brandon had always been interested in the trades, but it was through Path to Pro that he discovered the potential for a career in this field. As a child, he enjoyed participating in Kids Workshops. “I’ve always enjoyed building things,” he recalls. “Path to Pro allowed me to explore this interest and see if it was something I wanted to pursue professionally.”
Path to Pro provided Brandon with a combination of online vocational training and practical experience, laying the groundwork for his career. “I had some skills for personal projects, but I wasn’t fully trained for a professional job. Path to Pro enabled me to get the training I needed,” explains Brandon. “The flexibility to learn at my own pace and in my own time was one of the best aspects of the program.”
Through the Path to Pro Network, Brandon was contacted by a potential employer, marking the beginning of his journey in the skilled trades. “I had been searching for a job in this field for months before I found out about Path to Pro. Most employers prefer candidates with experience, and Path to Pro really helped me in that regard.”
On his first day on the job, Brandon was involved in a bathroom demolition project under the guidance of his supervisor. This hands-on training proved invaluable. “Every day brings something new, which is what I love about my job.”
As the Skills Program is expanding to include Spanish-language resources, Brandon is looking forward to sharing this opportunity with his Spanish-speaking colleagues. Looking ahead, Brandon is determined to make a significant impact in the skilled trades.
“Eventually, I would love to run my own company. I’d love to do what she [supervisor] did for me – hire new people, teach them and set that path forward." When asked if he could see himself hiring through the Path to Pro Network in the future, Brandon exclaimed, “One hundred percent! I wouldn’t really be here right now if it weren’t for Path to Pro.”
“Honestly, the biggest thing I can say is thank you,” said Brandon. I love being able to go to work every day doing what I love, and I wouldn’t be able to do that without Path to Pro.”
Since its establishment, the Path to Pro initiative has seen over 8,000 individuals sign up for the Skills Program. The Path to Pro Network has connected over 12,000 job seekers with millions of The Home Depot’s Pro customers across the country and has offered exclusive access to more than 2,200 job opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about careers in the skilled trades, click here
Companies