LOS ANGELES, CA (August 25. 2026) – More than 100 Pasadena-area high school students showcased their new trades skills at a Pasadena City College (PCC) event on July 23, putting their training in welding, construction readiness, industrial fabrication, and building inspection on display for community leaders and potential employers. The event also served as a career pipeline, connecting students directly with local employers through an industry panel and career fair.
PCC partnered with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools to create an innovative “earn-and-learn” summer program for high school students catalyzed and supported through its L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers program. Over six weeks, students were paid for their hands-on training and developed the technical and durable skills needed to succeed in the trades while earning certifications in OSHA, First Aid, and emergency response.
“Strengthening the pipeline to the skilled trades starts in high school, and it is nothing short of remarkable to watch these young people in action,” said Belen Vargas, senior director of L.A. County Programs at Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “While learning to build structures, these students also built real-world skills, along with the experience and confidence they need to further their education or join the skilled trades workforce.”
Event attendees rotated through classrooms to watch the students at work: some suited up in full welding gear performing live metalwork, while others used professional-grade equipment to demonstrate new construction skills.
After the showcase, students heard from industry leaders about career opportunities during a panel led by PCC’s Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo. Panelists included Kat Cruz, PLA coordinator at Skanska; Ron Brown II, senior project engineer at DPR Construction; and Trent Rowser, founder of TR Constructions LLC.
Students then connected directly with representatives from more than 30 local companies and unions at a career fair organized by SoCal Trades Tour.
“This program truly opened my eyes to multiple ways to achieve success, and I realize now my future isn’t limited to office jobs,” said program participant Jasmine Hsiung. “Meeting professionals and speaking to the instructors has been very inspiring and motivates me to pursue a trade.”
The summer program at PCC is part of Skills to Rebuild, PCC’s initiative to help address the region’s recovery needs following the devastating 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires. The initiative also advances PCC’s vision for a first-of-its-kind Regional Skilled Trades Training Center in Los Angeles County – a hub for high school students and adult learners that will help build the skilled workforce needed for both the post-fire rebuild and the region’s long-term workforce needs.
The community college became an L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers program partner in 2025 and expanded from its inaugural class to serve 110 students this summer. This year, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools supported 11 program sites that served more than 800 students across L.A. County.
Learn more about L.A. County Skilled Trades Summers here.
