TradesUp Initiative

04/14/2026

Ohhhh Rahhhhh. And just like that Highlander Charter School has 7 future EB shipbuilders. The hard work and dedication existed from the first tool to the last interview. Good luck to these great young men of cohort #0001. I add the zeros so you all know we have thousands of cohorts to go. Thank you General Dynamics Electric Boat for the opportunity and support.

Pour it on!!!!

04/01/2026

Day 2 of 401Gives with day 1 being an amazing day of blessings. Please continue the support for the many organizations doing good things in Rhode Island. And again TradesUp Initiative appreciates all that you do for the community through your financial support. See the link below to help “Build Communities by building TradesUp!!!”. Thank you all.

https://www.401gives.org/organizations/trades-up-initiative

Today is the a day of giving. With a goal of raising today for many nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that will impact many valuable causes. We appreciate all that you do and any commitment through donations will help TradesUp Initiative continue to serve our communities through skilled trades training and mentorship. Thank you all.

https://www.401gives.org/organizations/trades-up-initiative

03/31/2026

Today is the a day of giving. With a goal of raising today for many nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that will impact many valuable causes. We appreciate all that you do and any commitment through donations will help TradesUp Initiative continue to serve our communities through skilled trades training and mentorship. Thank you all.

https://www.401gives.org/organizations/trades-up-initiative

01/15/2026

Take a chance on an amazing future seniors. Great careers await….

Class of 2026 - start planning what's next!

High School Seniors can now apply for full-time manufacturing and design careers at our Groton, CT and Quonset Point, RI locations.

What you can expect:
>Competitive Pay starting at $23/hr
>Entry-level and semi-skilled encouraged to apply
>Training and hands-on learning
>Long-term career opportunities after graduation

And yes - this is one of the coolest jobs around! You'll be part of the team building the most advanced submarines in the world, supporting a mission that matters and work you won't find anywhere else.

Secure your job now and walk across the stage knowing exactly what's next. This is your chance to get a real head start on your future!

Apply today: https://qrcodes.pro/wBY61u

01/11/2026

Yesterday we acquired welding equipment donated by General Dynamics Electric Boat that will enable us to continue training and sustain our welding program for future skilled welders. This is a huge step into self sustaining functions for TradesUp and we can only be grateful for the continued investment.

More energy for the future of New England!!!! Let’s Goooooooo

01/06/2026

TradesUp Initiative and Highlander Charter School Complete 10-Week Workforce Training Pilot

From October 16 to December 18, 2025, the TradesUp Initiative, in partnership with Highlander Charter School, successfully completed a 10-week pilot workforce training program designed to introduce students to hands-on careers in the skilled trades. Fourteen participants gained foundational experience in electrical systems, welding, and piping fundamentals, building confidence, teamwork, and career readiness.
“This pilot showed what’s possible when education and opportunity come together to empower young people,” said Marc A. Lopes, Executive Director of the TradesUp Initiative.
Plans are already underway to expand the program in 2026, adding new trade disciplines and industry partners to continue "Building communities by building TradesUp."

12/29/2025

Suite set up. Fun times for the organization!!

12/29/2025

The start of a productive week. Lay out and set up today. Organizing tomorrow. Done before New Years. 2026 starting fresh

12/20/2025

This week was one for the emotions and major for the movement. TradesUp/Highlander internship commenced its first introductory skilled trades program. These young men fought traffic, sleep and showed up weekly to learn and grow. They also taught me some things about patience, training and development. It was amazing to see their growth every week and break milestones. We gave a lot of ourselves on this journey and we got way more back.

Thank you Highlander Charter School as we chart this course together. Onward and Upward

12/13/2025

Another successful activity on a frigid day!! Great attention and interaction with Warwick Metal supermarket. A lot of automated processes we did manual opened the kids eyes to accuracy and ex*****on. We are in the home stretch team, let’s get into it…

Highlander Charter School

12/12/2025

Some pretty cool stuff going on Highlander Charter School with these students!!! This is just 4 sessions of welding practice. Imagine what they can do with a dedicated section for skilled trades training. Just a lot of sticks and stones making future leaders. More work to do and more elevation of young leaders….