In the summer of 2024, more than 400 high school students participated in Los Angeles County Skilled Trades Summers, a program offering hands-on skilled trades training programs in automotive tech, carpentry, construction, solar installation and welding.

Some program participants earned advanced industry credentials that can lead to entry-level employment. Others earned college credits. By using the “earn and learn” model as a basis for the program, students can earn money for themselves and their families while working towards a career.

L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers was launched by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, the flagship program of The Smidt Foundation, to introduce teens to meaningful skilled trades careers and give them foundational skills for success well before they graduate.

Below are some our favorite stories about the program in local media from this summer:

Young people in L.A. County are trained in solar panel skills and other trades, Los Angeles Daily News, August 2, 2024

Artesia and La Mirada High Participate in Los Angeles County’s Skilled Trades Summer Program, Los Cerritos Community News, July 26, 2024

Teens from Jordan Downs Community in Watts Getting Paid to Learn Skilled Trades This Summer, Los Angeles Times, July 25, 2024

LABJ Insider: Teaching Trade Skills, Los Angeles Business Journal, July 29, 2024

High school teens in Watts get training for hands-on skilled trades, KCAL/CBS News, Aug 14, 2023

Young people generate income and learn a trade in LA, La Opinion, August 12, 2024

L.A. County Teens Get Paid to Learn Skilled Trades This Summer, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, July 24, 2024