A Skilled Trades Scholarship & Career Pathway Initiative
In partnership with
Learn more at Booth #71 – Eastside Decking & Railing
The Initiative
Skills for Life Michigan is a new initiative created by Rob Cook, of Eastside Decking & Railing, and John Holland to help inspire and support individuals pursuing meaningful careers in the skilled trades.
Through scholarships, mentorship, and training partnerships with SEMCA (Southeast Michigan Construction Academy), the initiative aims to create new pathways for individuals seeking hands-on careers with real opportunity.
Building the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals
Helping remove financial barriers so individuals can pursue training and build lasting careers in the skilled trades.
Scholarship Support
Introducing young people to real opportunities in the trades and helping them begin meaningful, long-term careers.
Career Pathways
Working with SEMCA to create a scholarship pipeline that connects individuals to hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials.
Training Partnerships
Uniting contractors, companies, and community partners to strengthen Michigan’s workforce and expand opportunities in the trades.
Industry Collaboration
Our Partnership with SEMCA
Skills for Life Michigan is an initiative founded by Rob Cook and John Holland, focused on expanding access to careers in the skilled trades through mentorship, education, and industry collaboration.
As part of this effort, Skills for Life Michigan is developing a partnership with SEMCA — Southeast Michigan Construction Academy, a respected training institution that prepares students for careers in the construction trades through hands-on education and industry-recognized curriculum.
Through this collaboration, Skills for Life Michigan aims to help introduce young people to the opportunities available in the skilled trades through community outreach, school engagement, and industry partnerships.
Together, the initiative is designed to create a clear, connected pathway from:
Discovery → Training → Career Opportunity
Help Support the Future of the Skilled Trades
Skills for Life Michigan welcomes interest from contractors, construction companies, educators, and community supporters who believe in expanding opportunity through the skilled trades.
As the initiative grows, supporters will have opportunities to help expand scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and career pathways for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
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