Choosing a trade, getting into a program and making it through the first year all take more than interest in the work: applications, schedules, early mornings, money and showing up every day. Blackburn Mentoring pairs a young adult who is exploring a trade, in trade school or starting an apprenticeship with one dedicated mentor who meets with them regularly by video, with text and phone check-ins in between, to build the plan and the habits that carry them through. Mentoring works anywhere in the US, and in person in Los Angeles.
When young adults and parents reach out
- Interested in the trades but not sure which one; see how to choose a trade
- Weighing trade school against college; see trade school vs college
- Looking for an apprenticeship and unsure where to start; see how to get an apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs
- Starting trade school and wanting a strong first term; see starting trade school
- In the first year of an apprenticeship or a first trades job; see first-year apprenticeship tips and your first job in the trades
- Parents supporting a teen or young adult who is choosing a trade; see the guide for parents
What a mentor works on
- Choosing a direction. Comparing trades by the daily work, the training route and the schedule, and testing interest through real conversations and short experiences.
- Getting in. A timeline for applications, required documents, tests or interviews, with the young adult checking each program’s own requirements.
- Routine. Early starts, reliable transportation, sleep and a weekly schedule that makes showing up every day realistic.
- Money. A simple budget for tools, gear, commuting and the months before pay increases.
- Follow-through. Regular sessions and check-ins through the hard first months, when many people decide whether to stay with it.
For parents
Parents often want to support a trades path but are not sure how to help with programs they did not go through themselves. A mentor gives the young adult someone outside the family to plan with and be accountable to, and with the young adult’s permission, mentors share progress updates with parents.
What it is, and what it is not
- It is one-on-one mentoring and coaching for direction, structure and follow-through, by video anywhere in the US or in person in Los Angeles.
- It is not technical training, a trade school or an apprenticeship placement service. The program, school or employer teaches the trade; a mentor helps the young adult get there and keep going.
- If a young adult is dealing with depression, anxiety or substance use, a licensed professional is the right step, and a mentor can work alongside them. In a crisis, call or text 988.
How to start
- Book a free intro call. A free 20-minute video call with a member of our team. Calls are weekdays, 9 to 5 Pacific. Choose a time.
- Get matched. New clients are matched with a mentor within 2 business days.
- Start the plan. Sessions by video, scheduled in your local time, with early morning, evening and weekend times available.
Questions about mentoring for trade school students
Do you help find an apprenticeship?
Mentors help the young adult research options, prepare applications and interviews, and keep a steady search going. Mentoring is not a placement service, and no one can promise a spot in a program.
Is mentoring useful if my son or daughter has not chosen a trade yet?
Yes. Not knowing which trade fits is a common starting point. Early sessions focus on comparing options and testing interest through real conversations and short experiences.
Do mentors teach the trade?
No. Mentors are not trade instructors. The school, program or employer teaches the skills; a mentor helps with the plan, routine and follow-through around the training.
Does the young adult need to live in Los Angeles?
No. Mentoring happens by video anywhere in the United States, and in person in Los Angeles.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. See how much a mentor costs, or ask on the free intro call.
Related
- How to choose a trade
- Trade school vs college
- How to get an apprenticeship
- Starting trade school
- Mentoring for young adults after high school
- Career and education mentoring
Get started
Choosing a trade, or supporting a young adult who is? Call (888) 305-5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or book a free intro call. You can also start with a short assessment.
Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.