Welcome to NDC's Programs
Empowering the Next Generation of Skilled Tradespeople
At NDC, we leverage education and community engagement to empower youth about skilled trades career opportunities. Our initiatives provide essential knowledge and skills for success in the trades industry.
Community Engagement
Summer Festival Tours
Many people in our communities are not aware of the opportunities and potential of skilled trades as a career path. To address this issue, we planned our Community Engagement Summer Festival Tours that will educate community members at festivals such as Afrofest!
Explore a Realm of Opportunities
NDC Youth Programming
Skilled Trades & STEM Symposiums
Early exposure is key to building strong futures. Our symposiums, designed for Grades 6–12, deliver mentorship, industry insight, and real career exploration.
We offer two formats:
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School-Based Symposiums: Bringing skilled trades professionals directly into classrooms.
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Annual "Young & Skilled" Conference: A large-scale event featuring hands-on activities, expert panels, and career exploration opportunities.
Participants experience live demonstrations, mentorship panels, and direct connections to apprenticeship pathways and skilled trades careers.
Informational Workshops
Strong career pathways begin with informed families and communities. Our Informational Workshops educate parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and community leaders about the opportunities and potential within the skilled trades.
Led by experienced trades professionals and motivational speakers, these sessions empower adults to better guide and support the next generation toward rewarding skilled trades and STEM careers.
Seasonal Skilled Trades Camps
Our Seasonal Skilled Trades Camps offer youth hands-on experiences in various skilled trades, including electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. Through practical workshops, participants gain essential skills, build confidence, and develop a foundation for future career paths.
In addition to workshops, participants take part in field trips to trade facilities and attend career seminars and mentorship sessions, giving them valuable insights into job opportunities, connections with trade unions, and pathways into apprenticeship programs.
Follow Through to Success Program
Follow Through to Success is NDC’s cornerstone workforce development initiative, guiding youth and families from education into careers in skilled trades and STEM.
Our team provides:
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Personalized career coaching, mentorship, and skills-building workshops
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Access to apprenticeships, job training, and career pathways
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Family-centered support and service connections
Through proactive outreach and community needs assessments, we engage marginalized communities, plant career pathways early through Seed Programs, and collaborate with agencies to remove systemic barriers.
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After-School & Youth Skill Development Programs
Under the Young & Skilled banner, NDC delivers targeted after-school and seasonal programs introducing youth to skilled trades, STEM innovation, and career pathways.
Signature programs include:
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Early Introduction to Tools & Trades
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Light Renovation & Repair Skills
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LEGO Robotics Innovation Labs
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Drone Land, Air, Sea (DIY Drone Building Challenges)
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Young & Skilled Summer Camps
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Young & Skilled March Break Camps
Through accessible programming, we engage marginalized communities, inspire early career exploration, and build foundations for future workforce success.
Job Site Tours
Our Job Site Tours provide participants with immersive, real-world experiences into the skilled trades. Youth observe tradespeople in industries like construction, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, gaining first hand exposure to skills, tools, and work environments.
Participants interact with professionals, ask questions, and build career insights that inspire meaningful career choices.
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