Vanessa Tilford has spent the last 15 years helping to shape the lives of young people in Southern California. As the Career Coordinator for Bonita Unified School District in Los Angeles County, she considers the needs of students seeking a variety of post-secondary paths. In 2023, she founded SoCal Trades Tour to introduce students to immersive and engaging opportunities with local industries.
How did you come up with the vision for SoCal Trades Tour?
VT: The vision for SoCal Trades Tour came from a deep desire to make skilled trades visible, accessible, and exciting for high school students across Southern California. Working as a current Career Coordinator and previously a high school counselor for 15 years, I saw firsthand the disconnect between students learning hands-on skills and the opportunities available to them after graduation. I wanted to create something immersive—more than just a handout or flyer—to bring industry professionals face-to-face with students in their own schools and communities. The idea was simple: if students could see it and talk to real people doing the work, they could believe it’s possible for themselves.
What sets SoCal Trades Tour events apart from a standard high school career fair?
VT: SoCal Trades Tour events are intentionally designed to spotlight skilled trades and career fields that don’t necessarily require a college degree, but instead specialized training or apprenticeships. These are careers that students don’t often hear about due to the “college for all” push that dominates much of the traditional high school narrative. Unlike standard career fairs that offer a broad range of industries, our events are focused and immersive—bringing students face-to-face with professionals in trades like welding, construction, electrical, HVAC, and more. It’s not just about distributing information—it’s about sparking real conversations and showing students a viable, exciting future that they may not have known existed.
What feedback do you hear from business reps and students following events?
VT: Business representatives often express how refreshing it is to meet students who are genuinely curious and excited about careers in the trades—something they don’t often get to do at traditional recruitment events. Many have said our events are some of the most meaningful connections they’ve made with young talent. From students, we hear things like, “I didn’t know this career existed,” or, “I finally found something I can see myself doing.” The feedback consistently confirms that these events are inspiring and eye-opening for everyone involved.
Since launching in 2023, what is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned that will shape future events?
VT: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of preparation and follow-through—not just for students, but for our industry partners too. Creating impact doesn’t end when the event does. Helping students understand how to follow up, apply to a program, or take the next step has been critical. On the industry side, we’ve learned to better prepare our partners with student profiles, suggested engagement strategies, and tools like ScanFactor to ensure we’re making the most of their time and effort. That level of planning turns a good event into a powerful one.
What advice would you give skilled trades teachers and their administrators around the country for doing events like this and engaging industry?
VT: Start with relationships—industry partners want to engage, but they need clear direction, thoughtful planning, and to see the value of their time. Focus on quality over quantity. Invite partners who are truly aligned with your students’ interests and programs and create intentional opportunities for them to connect meaningfully. Also, prepare your students. Give them background on who’s coming, encourage questions, and make sure they know how this fits into their future. A well-run event is a two-way street, and everyone benefits when both sides are ready to show up.
How did your experience in the Harbor Freight Leadership Lab impact your work?
VT: The Harbor Freight Leadership Lab helped me step into my role as a founder with more clarity, confidence, and purpose. It gave me the space to reflect on what I wanted SoCal Trades Tour to become and connected me with a network of other leaders committed to skilled trades education. The support, insights, and encouragement from the lab helped sharpen my vision and gave me the tools to grow the Tour into something scalable and sustainable. It reminded me that this work matters, and that we don’t have to do it alone.
