Program
Workmanship
EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION
The Workmanship Program provides students a free introductory trades education taught by industry professionals. Located in at The Great Falls Center in Paterson, NJ, we offer students hands-on experience and exposure to careers in each of the key trades: general construction, masonry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, welding, woodworking, tile, and automotive. We come alongside individuals pursuing a trades career equip ping them with all they need to take the next steps.
1 IN 4
Nearly 1 in 4 construction workers are older than 55, retirements will continue to whittle away at the construction workforce.
40%
Over 40% of the current U.S. construction workforce is expected to retire over the next decade.
650,000
About 650,000 workers are currently missing from the construction industry. Construction backlogs are now at a 4-year high.
building up the next generation of trades professionals.
We’re coming alongside young adults eager to start a career in the trades, equipping them for success and setting them on a path toward employment.
Interested in hiring our graduates?
Click here to submit job opportunities.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
what sets our program apart?
Instructors
Classes are taught by trades professionals who bring a wealth of onsite work experience, many of which work a full day in the field before showing up to teach class.
1:2 Ratio
Our teaching team consists of volunteers who pass their trade onto the next generation. Our volunteer base enables us to maintain a 1 to 2 teacher/student ratio that provides students a personalized learning experience.
Core Values
We’re equipping our students to be the quality workers we know they can be by reinforcing core values: Honesty, Trust, Timeliness, Craftsmanship, Teachability, Respect, and Integrity
We started with just 16 students in Fall 2019. The need is great, and the many trades professionals and industry partners working with us have enabled exponential growth. Our program now has 5 courses in 2 locations with a third set to launch next year.
Workmanship Program graduates in 7 years
343
Of 2025 graduates are from under-resourced communities
61%
Of 2025 graduates are under 25 years old.
47%
Of 2025 graduates are female
16%
Volunteers
Every Tuesday and Thursday you can find 50—60 volunteers making our Workmanship Program possible. Over the course of a semester, more than 130 people give of their time and skills: teaching, administration, cooking or serving meals and cleaning up. Volunteers keep our costs down and our program relational.
Partners
This free program costs roughly $3K per student per semester. We don’t charge our students a dime! The expenses are completely covered by our donors and partners. Regular givers ensure sustainability. Industry partners provide tools, supplies, materials, and experience. Together they keep this program running.
Take the next step.
If you are ready to explore a career in the trades, we are prepared to set you on the path to success.