Help Hampton Roads’ Individuals Start Careers In Skilled Trades

TRADES BUILDER helps individuals (ages 16-26) around Hampton Roads, discover skilled trades (e.g., carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, welding, HVAC, masonry) and help them with tuition, certifications, tools, and access to employers.

Family Fun. Funding Futures.

The Tour of Trucks & Trades (TOTT) is Trades Builder’s signature fundraising event, where families come together to explore community vehicles, discover skilled trade careers, and connect with the people who build, serve, and protect our communities.

More than a day of fun, TOTT helps fund scholarships, workforce development, and career opportunities for individuals pursuing the skilled trades.

Every sponsor, donor, and attendee helps build the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Join us in creating opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and building brighter futures—one family, one career, and one community at a time.

2026 Goal

$10k+ will support 45 Skilled Trade Professionals

Build Your Future in
the Skilled Trades

TRADES BUILDER helps young individuals start careers in skilled trades by removing financial barriers and opening real pathways—so individuals can move from uncertainty to purpose, without taking on debt.

Carpentry

Learn woodworking, framing, furniture building, and construction skills used across residential and commercial job sites.

Electrical Work

Understand wiring, circuits, and electrical systems, plus installations, maintenance, and the safety standards the trade runs on.

Plumbing

Develop skills in pipe installation, water systems, drainage, repairs, and plumbing maintenance for residential and commercial buildings.

Welding

Work with metal fabrication, cutting, and joining techniques used in manufacturing, shipbuilding, and structural construction.

HVAC

Install and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that keep buildings running year-round.

Masonry

Build with brick, block, stone, and concrete, shaping the structures and finishes that define a job site.

Tickets

Tickets are available for individuals and families to join our annual Tour of Trucks & Trades fundraiser. Choose the option that best fits your visit and enjoy a hands-on experience with real trucks, equipment, and skilled professionals.

Life-Changing Results,
Straight from Our Clients

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“The children enjoyed the display of the vehicles and interacted with all the workers. It was quite a bit of rain on that day but it was well worth every second to see the children’s faces. Wishing you blessings and all the best for affording the children the opportunity to attend the event. Thank you!”

Gabriel Renna Clients

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“I came because I am interested in becoming a mechanic and wanted to speak with those working in the [career] field.”

Emily Roberts Trainer

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“My son spent the whole afternoon talking to a welder about what the job is actually like. He came home asking about apprenticeships instead of asking me what he is supposed to do after school.”

Placeholder Name Parent

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“Events like this put our crews in front of the next generation of tradespeople. We met several young people that day we would genuinely consider bringing on as apprentices.”

Placeholder Name Employer

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“I had no idea how many trades were open to me or how to get started. Being able to try the equipment and ask real questions made the whole thing feel possible instead of out of reach.”

Placeholder Name Attendee

BE PART OF BUILDING FUTURES

We offer full cooperation for creating PR materials, including photos and video coverage of the event. Naming rights opportunities may also be available for interested partners.

Become Our Volunteer

Your support does more than help—it opens doors to real careers. It equips young people with the skills, connections, and confidence to earn, grow, and build a future that lasts.

Step in. Take action. Help build the workforce of tomorrow starting today.