Trade Academy Scholarship Supports Next-Gen Tradespeople With Tuition and Tools
Key Highlights
- Scholarship provides tuition, tools and direct access to a national network of instructors and employers
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Program partners with more than 114 trade schools to deliver updated, tech-forward training
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Demand continues to rise, with more than 1,100 applicants competing for awards earlier this year
SAN DIEGO, CA — Trade Academy, a nonprofit focused on building the next generation of skilled workers, has opened applications for its annual Trade Academy Scholarship. The national program supports students pursuing plumbing, electrical and HVAC careers by providing tuition funding along with access to tools, mentors and updated technical training.
“The biggest barrier to entering the trades isn't lack of interest anymore, it's lack of access,” said Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, a leading software platform for home service contractors and Trade Academy supporter. “These scholarships turn 'I can't afford trade school' into 'I'm starting my career.' When you remove financial obstacles and provide real training resources and tools, you create opportunities for people to build six-figure careers in the trades that desperately need them.”
Growing Scholarship Program Extends Its Industry Reach
Launched in 2021, the Trade Academy Scholarship has awarded more than $250,000 in tuition assistance nationwide. The program partners with more than 114 trade schools to help instructors deliver technology-focused curricula that build both hands-on skills and digital competency—essential capabilities for today’s residential service contractors.
Demonstrated Demand From Future Tradespeople
Earlier this year, Trade Academy awarded $125,000 to 50 recipients representing 214 technical programs across the country. Those students were selected from a pool of more than 1,100 applicants ranging from age 16 to 72, underscoring the expanding interest in high-demand skilled trades careers.
Support Beyond Tuition: Tools, Mentors and Employer Access
Each scholarship winner receives tuition support plus access to Trade Academy’s national network of instructors and employers. The initiative originally focused on HVAC training but has since expanded to include electrical and plumbing programs, reflecting both Trade Academy’s and Housecall Pro’s commitment to strengthening the residential service workforce.
“Skilled trades attract people who like to build, fix, and solve,” Ligtenberg said. “The right mentor in a lab or on a job site changes the entire trajectory of a student. When we champion the trades, we send a clear signal that this work matters, pays well, and deserves long-term investment.”
How to Apply
To apply for the Trade Academy Scholarship, visit tradeacademy.com/trade-school/scholarship. To learn about eligibility, visit tradeacademy.com/trade-school/scholarship-rules.
For more information about Trade Academy, visit www.tradeacademy.com.
For more information about Housecall Pro, visit www.housecallpro.com.
Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.