Free training in the trades and a path to your career.
At the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, our goal is simple: Put tools in the hands of individuals who need a second chance. Our training is completely free, and we offer life-skill support, and job placement support for participants and alumni as they journey to success.
For those who need a second chance.
We provide training and support especially to those with criminal backgrounds. You may have messed up in the past, but we’re here to help you succeed in the future. Some of us have been where you are now. The road ahead is filled with possibility. We’re actively equipping to offer more training in more trades like carpentry, home remodeling, and welding: and offering this instruction to more diverse participants. From job placement to life skills, TIP is dedicated to building strong ties to our community and region.
For those who need a second chance.
We provide training and support especially to those with criminal backgrounds. You may have messed up in the past, but we’re here to help you succeed in the future. Some of us have been where you are now. The road ahead is filled with possibility. We’re actively equipping to offer more training in more trades like carpentry, home remodeling, and welding: and offering this instruction to more diverse participants. From job placement to life skills, TIP is dedicated to building strong ties to our community and region.
Meet Cam.
“I was incarcerated for 10 years. I spent months looking for jobs, only to be denied when employers learned about my criminal background. I didn’t know where to turn, though I desperately wanted to turn my life around.
That’s when a friend referred me to TIP. The first day there, I was quiet and didn’t know what to expect. By day three, I realized that the staff really cared and wanted to see me succeed. My instructor taught me to lay brick. My case manager helped me get a driver’s license. My counselor helped me work on my relationship with my 9th-grade son.
TIP not only helped me to rebuild my confidence, but they hired me as Assistant Instructor after I graduated. Now, I make good money, good friends, and there’s room to grow.”
A hand up. Not a hand out.
Our all-time numbers show the impact.
Masonry Graduates
435
After 10 weeks of one-on-one pro training.
Employer Partners
160
And more valuable partners added every month.
One-Year Recidivism Rate
2.2%
Compared to Pennsylvania’s 46% average.
Average Starting Wage
$15.42
38% of the region’s average for a single adult.
Graduates Placed in Employment
398
A 90% placement rate in living wage jobs.
Driver's Licenses Attained
54
A vital piece to our student’s road to independence.
How it all works.
Make a change.
If people can change the way they think, they can change everything. It starts with informed counseling and strength-awareness. Many of our students have never had true positive feedback. From there, TIP staff assist with goal-setting and wrap-around services. This assistance might include accessing housing, health care, child care, and driver’s licenses and identification.
Set for success.
Once a mindset has been changed and a skill has been acquired, we want to keep building them up and giving them the right tools and ongoing support. From resume writing and starting the process of reapplying for a driver’s license to classes in self-care, financial literacy, computer literacy and building healthy relationships, we teach them the skills they need to thrive.
Pay it forward.
The TIP experience does not end when someone graduates. We help students navigate their career path through our strong ties to dozens of employer partners. Even after several years, our doors are wide open — from our alumni programming and networking events to continual resume and career support. Changing lives is an on-going commitment.