Rural Workforce Development NFP

05/04/2026

Glow Golf Event!!

Top Golf Inspired Fundraiser with Limited Tee Times Available!

For More Information & Sign Up to Play Click Here:
https://ruralwd.com/glow-golf

3-4 Holes - Closest to the Pin
Vintage Wooden Driver LED Longest Drive Competition
50/50 Raffle Entry via LED Putting Contest

DJ dropping Beats while you are Drop'n Darts in the Dark

03/16/2026

5 Paid Skilled Trade Summer Internships!

We are working on the logistics behind a 30 or 60 day paid Skilled Trade internship for 17 & 18 year/olds in Macon County, IL this summer.

To provide real world on the job experiences for High School Juniors and Seniors we need to Solve 4 Challenges:

1. Insuring a 17 year old on a skilled trade jobsite = SOLVED ✅

- Our not for profit will handle the workman comp, and general liability that comes with slowing down your production to give an aspiring mechanically inclined indivudal a chance to see what its like to work in your industry.

2. Finding 5 Motivated & Disciplined, 17-18 year/old interested in trying 2 different 30 day skilled trade internships in the summer of 2026.

- If you are interested in a 30 day summer internship, apply online: www.ruralwd.com

3. Pairing with 20 different Skilled Trade companies that would be willing to slow down their production to provide a real world look at your career opportunities.

- We will partner with you to design out how to best structure the 30 day experience, so its not all broom handles holding. We run the payroll and cover the work comp/general liability. You pay the hourly wage

4. Buying down the cost of the work comp. College students have access to scholarships to help buy down their tuition, books, and board. We are looking for individuals, businesses, foundations, and nonprofits that would like to provide that same benefit to non-college bound students. Adopt an aspiring skilled tradesmen and sponsor their summer internship through lower the cost of entry to a hands on education.

- It costs an owner/operator or mom & pop nearly $0.70 per every dollar they pay a student that is 17-18 years/old to work on a skilled trade job site.

- That means an $18/hr helper learning on the job for 30 days, costs the mom & pop $30/hr.

Instead of donating your money to a scholarship for students studying for an undetermined college major. Partner with a 501c3, Rural Workforce Development, a donation helps by down the cost of a hands on education.

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02/24/2026

Which Document is more important:
High School Diploma or a Well Written Resume?

I would argue that a Resume trumps a Diploma 9 out of 10 times, however we prioritize all the extras that surround a diploma as if they lead to a fruitful life or an immediate step on a career path to success.

The final year of high school, a senior will be guided through how to get you graduation cap and gown, a senior photo for a year book, homecomings, proms, and countless experiences that are only a footnote to what they truly need after they turn 18 find a purposeful life.

Why doesn’t drivers ed require a student to create the basic resume that is stored with all the documents that no one ever asked for unless you are a college admissions counselor?

No one expects a student to have life figured out or a straight and narrow career path ready to explore post high school. However the lack of any documentation of skills in a resume format that can be provided to a potential employer is a failure in our educational system.

For those who disagree and claim the Diploma is vital to even apply to jobs, then you’ve never watched a kid check the box on an application stating they have a GED or Diploma and watched the application successfully make it through to a hiring manager. Few jobs that non college bound students apply for verify a high school transcript, even fewer jobs care about a high school transcript if you have been out of high school for 5+ years. We are not condoning lying on an application, but does an employer care more about if can you show up on time, work safely and with determination or if you completed your GED or High School Diploma.

This leads me to question, Legally, what career certifications require a GED or High School Diploma?
o Drivers License = NO
o Commercial driver’s License = NO
o Welding Certificate = NO
o CNA certification (nursing) = NO
o Real Estate Professional = NO
o US Congressmen/House of Rep = NO
o VP or President of USA = NO
§ Fun Fact :Last President without a degree was Harry S Truman

How are we preparing the next generation to succeed?

02/13/2026

Tree Farm Hand Fun Fact: Over 97% of Illinois' forested trees are classified as hardwoods

We are Searching for an aspiring Arbor Artist or the next Bush Beautician!!

If you know someone that has a green thumb or just a thumb that wants to become green then this could be your opportunity!

11/25/2025

Who is responsible for introducing a high school senior to individuals in their community in the industry they want to join?

Is it fair to expect a guidance counselor who focused on education to know all the skilled trade industries, business owners, and the different options to start a career path?

If you are leaving it to someone with a bachelors or a masters degree to guide the next generation into a trade, do not be surprised if they think college is the only path to success.

RuralWD is bridging the gap for all non college bound students wanting to explore options in the skilled trades. We have hosted an equipment operator camp & horsepower camp. Next on the list HVAC, Electrical, Building Trades, Plumbing, and Welding/Manufacturing.

Stop assuming someone will redirect our students and support a not for profit that is creating a change.

11/20/2025

How are you guiding the next gen of skilled trades & agricultural into career opportunities?

Virtual Experiences do not cut it, career fairs are clammy handed awkwardness. Let’s rethink career exploration.

RWD has several camps up our sleeves. If you are in the Building Trades Industries, we want to talk to you. Next camps will be hands on Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Construction, & Welding/Manufacturing.

Don’t let soft hands guide your student towards a career that requires calluses

11/18/2025

The Horsepower Showcase was a Success!

We've uploaded some videos on our website & YouTube with interviews of the students and instructor that participated in the event.

Huge thanks to Nextran Truck Centers in Decatur for all the time and effort you put into the students. We had horsepower enthusiasts brought out custom builds & classic cars. Each individual happily explained their career path ranging from machine shops, transmission shops, welders, excavation companies and maintenance technicians.

If you are looking to invest in the next generation of Skilled Trades then we will being creating several more camps for Electricians, HVAC, Plumbing, Building Trades, and Welding/Manufacturing.

Don't settle for a career fair full of clammy handshakes to make a kid want to enter your industry.

11/05/2025

Golden Rachets have been secured! 3 Days til the Horsepower Showcase! If you are interested in bringing out a custom build & share your passion with the next generation there is still room for you at the Farm Progress Show Grounds.

Date: Nov 8th, 2025
Registration Starts at 11 am
Gates open to General Public at 12:30 pm
Location: 4275 E Mound Rd, Decatur, IL

If you know a High School student that is interested in a career in the Horsepower industry, we still have 2 seats left in the Horsepower Workshop from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturday. They can register online at : www.ruralwd.com

Huge thanks to Nextran Mack for the Golden Rachet Sponsorship!

10/07/2025

We've received several questions from Parents & Students Interested in our Horsepower Camp:

1. Yes its free.

2. Registration is required & there is a limited number of attendees

3. There will be an opportunity for everyone that registers to meet employers & Vocational Trade Schools on Nov 8th from 1-3 pm.

We we will be reaching out to High Schools this week to provide the information, and would appreciate anyone that would like to share this information with their favorite High School Guidance Counselor.

If you are an employer or just a Horsepower Enthusiast we would love for you to be a part of this event or provide input.