Skilled trades · United States and Canada
Skilled Trades Advisory Council: what it is, who it is for.
A North American group of advocates working to close the skilled trades shortage and encourage young people to consider trades careers.
By Nick Gonzalez, founder, U.S. Air Force veteranPublished Last reviewed How we research and correct this
About
What STAC does
The Skilled Trades Advisory Council describes itself as a group of national advocates in the U.S. and Canada working to address the skilled trades shortage. Its inaugural members come from construction, retail, facilities management and the skilled trades.
Its stated aim is to unite the skilled trades community and encourage North American youth to see trades such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial and construction work as well-paying, respected careers.
Its site points to a workforce of about 12 million skilled tradespeople, 40% of whom are 45 or older, and cites outside estimates that only about 9% of 19 to 24 year olds are entering the trades. Those are its figures, not ours.
The Skilled Trades Champions program is for U.S.-based applicants. If you are in Ontario or elsewhere in Canada, read its official rules before you spend time on an entry.
Who it is for
Is this for you?
- Teachers, schools and training programs that introduce young people to the trades
- Small businesses and community organizations that mentor
- Anyone who wants to follow the case for trades careers across North America
Contact
- Email: info@skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com
- Council members: https://skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com/meet-the-council/
- Contact page: https://skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com/contact/
Launch League is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or a partner of Skilled Trades Advisory Council. This is our own summary of what it says publicly, read on 2026-11-04. Programs, dates and eligibility change, so confirm on the official site.
Questions
Quick answers
- What is the Skilled Trades Advisory Council?
- A group of advocates in the U.S. and Canada, from construction, retail, facilities management and the trades, who want to close the skilled trades shortage and encourage young people to consider trades careers.
- What is Skilled Trades Champions?
- A program that gives two winners $10,000 each in tools and equipment. It is for U.S.-based teachers, schools, training programs, small businesses, community organizations and mentors. Entries are a video of 90 seconds or less and are open November 2, 2026 to January 7, 2027.
- Can Canadians enter Skilled Trades Champions?
- The council's page describes the program for U.S.-based applicants. Read the official rules at skilledtradesadvisorycouncil.com before applying.
- Is Launch League part of the council?
- No. We are independent and not affiliated with the council. This page summarizes its public information.
Keep going
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