The Trade is a custom-built, apprentice-driven experience focused on cultivating meaning and purpose through professional and vocational development, independent living skills, and community connection.
Why The Trade?
Professional and Vocational Exploration
Through paid employment opportunities, our apprentices explore personal interest and professional and vocational paths, while gaining real work experience under the guidance of mentors and community members.
Building Independent Living Skills
Apprentices live in a homestead setting that helps form meaningful personal, recreational and social connections. They will invest in their independence through mentorship in healthy household routines, sustainable practices, relationship-building and much more.
Uniquely Personalized Experience
The apprentice is in the driver’s seat. Our small program size allows us to create Personalized Development Maps that address the individualized professional and personal goals of each of our apprentices.
Designed for young adults ages 18-30, The Trade is for individuals who have not yet found a clear path to independence. They may feel disconnected from traditional school or uncertain about how to turn their intrinsic motivation and interests into meaningful work. Through mentored exploration and authentic experience, they discover their unique strengths, build confidence and unlock the “specialty” that can shape a purposeful future.
The Trade is a gender-inclusive program, embracing diversity and committed to equity and respect for all community members.
Who is the ideal apprentice?
Our Team
We are a group of passionate education and mental health professionals with decades of experience in different fields related to experiential education, counseling, outdoor leadership, coaching, career planning, the arts and the trades. Our wide range of professional and life experiences turns our team into an adaptable multi-tool that can address various needs.
Contact Us
Submit the form to schedule a time to connect with our team and explore whether The Trade is the right next step.