700K+
Skilled Trades Workers expected to retire by 2028.
40%
Unemployed Youth available in many African countries.
3.9M+
Jobs will become available in the next 10 years
About Us
How We, Make an Impact
Empower Skilled Trades Foundation is a Canadian non-profit dedicated to reducing poverty and expanding opportunity by delivering inclusive, Red Seal–aligned skilled trades training to undeserved individuals—locally and across Africa—while creating ethical pathways to employment and migration that uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and help bridge global workforce gaps.
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Africa
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Canada
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United States of America
A world where African learners have equitable access to Canadian-standard skilled trades education, enabling them to build strong, resilient communities and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.
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Equitable Access at Scale
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Community-Driven Economic Resilience
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Ethical Global Workforce Mobility
We equip youth, women, and marginalized communities with the skills, confidence, and credentials to succeed in trades such as:
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Welders
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Carpenters & Framers
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Plumbers & Pipefitters
Why Donate?
Why Your Donation Matters
Your support provides access to hands-on training, certifications, tools, and mentorship. You’re not just giving, you’re opening doors to stable, meaningful careers.
Skilled trades professionals build homes, maintain infrastructure, and keep communities running. Your donation helps develop the workforce that supports long-term community growth.
We prioritize accountability, integrity, and community-driven development. Your contribution goes directly toward programs that empower people and create lasting change.
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Testimonials
What Our People’s Say About Risehands
Thanks to Risehand , I was able to overcome the toughest phase of my life.
Their support not only provided me with basic but also restored my hope. I am now on a path towards a brighter future, all thanks to their kindness and generosity the to the fostering of deep social connections,
Jacob Leonardo
Business Manager
Volunteering with Risehand has been a transformative experience for me.
Seeing firsthand the impact we make in people's lives is incredibly rewarding. Every moment spent helping others has my belief in the power of compassion and community scientific insights, and personal reflections,
Somalia D. Silva
Business Manager
Supporting Risehand has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I've made.
Knowing that my contributions are directly changing lives gives me a sense of purpose. I trust this organization wholeheartedly and will continue to support their noble cause revealing its pivotal role in shaping moral frameworks.
Ivor Herbert
Business Manager
FAQ's
About Empower Skilled Trades Foundation
What is the Empower Skilled Trades Foundation?
Empower Skilled Trades Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Alberta, Canada, dedicated to bridging the
global skilled trades gap. We empower African youth with world-class vocational training aligned with Canadian Red
Seal standards and create ethical pathways to apprenticeship and employment opportunities in Canada.
Why focus on African youth?
Many African countries have large youth populations, high unemployment rates, limited access to formal trades training, fragmented or outdated vocational systems, and significant barriers to ethical migration. By aligning training with Canadian Red Seal standards, we help create global mobility, expand economic opportunity, and support meaningful community transformation.
Who is eligible to apply for training programs?
Anyone interested in starting or advancing a career in the skilled trades can apply — including youth,
adults, career-changers, and individuals facing barriers to employment — as long as they’re committed to participating in
hands-on training and skill-building.
