Working Wardrobes recently hosted Career Connections: Exploring a Career in Trades, bringing together job seekers, career changers, industry leaders, and education partners for a day focused on discovering new possibilities and taking meaningful next steps toward a career.

For individuals interested in the skilled trades, knowing where to begin can often be the first challenge. Career Connections was designed to make that first step easier by giving participants direct access to the people, programs, and resources that can help turn an interest into a career pathway.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from

  • Associated General Contractors of America
  • Brownson Technical School
  • Hope Builders
  • National Women in Roofing
  • Santa Ana College of Continuing Education
  • Santiago Canyon College
  • Vital Link.

These partners engaged with participants throughout the day, sharing insights into high-demand industries, training and educational opportunities, and the different pathways available to enter and advance in the trades.

Participants were able to ask questions, hear real-world perspectives, strengthen their networking skills, and make connections with organizations that can continue supporting them beyond the event. Most importantly, they left with tangible resources and actionable next steps for their career journeys.

A special thank you to our moderator, Darren Reinke, for guiding the conversation and creating an engaging and welcoming environment where participants could learn and ask questions.

We are also grateful to Reza Mortazavi and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar for generously providing lunch, and to Supervisor Sarmiento for providing the space that allowed us to bring job seekers, community partners, and industry professionals together.

Career Connections was about more than introducing participants to careers in the trades. It was about bringing opportunity within reach by connecting people with the knowledge, resources, and relationships that can help them move forward with confidence.

Thank you to every partner and participant who helped make the day possible. We look forward to continuing to create connections that turn possibilities into plans and plans into meaningful careers.