Workforce Development
Character development meets hands-on career training.
Like every Ignite Academy program, Workforce Development starts with Wildfire Leadership's proven curriculum — the Mission Portrait™ and the 7 Igniters™. On top of that foundation, students gain technical skills and hands-on experience in the skilled trades. The trade tracks are modular and adaptable to any community's workforce needs.
78%
Placed Within 90 Days
85%
Completion Rate
350+
Workforce Graduates
60+
Community Partnerships
Career Pathways
Trade tracks are tailored to local workforce needs. Here are some of the trades we offer — with new tracks added as communities come on board.
Automotive
From engine basics to diagnostics, students learn the fundamentals of automotive repair and maintenance through hands-on shop experience. In Defiance, our Auto Clinic also serves the community with affordable repairs performed by students.
Construction
Students gain skills in building, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing — learning to construct and maintain the spaces where communities live and work.
Welding
Using portable welding equipment that goes directly into schools and organizations, students learn MIG, TIG, and structural welding — a growing track designed for scalability and access.
Healthcare
Pathways for students interested in serving their communities through healthcare careers — one of the fastest-growing fields nationwide.
Ignite Mobile Kits
We're building a fleet of self-contained, mobile training kits that can be delivered anywhere — eliminating barriers of cost, location, and access.
Our goal is to give students a taste of different skills to see what resonates with them. Each Ignite Mobile Kit is a fully self-contained training station — on wheels, ready to set up in any classroom, community center, or facility. No permanent shop required. Just roll in, set up, and ignite.
Every kit experience starts with purpose discovery through the Ignite Students curriculum, then moves into hands-on trade exploration. When a student uncovers their purpose and a skill — that's when transformation happens.
Through local partnerships — businesses, schools, and community organizations — these kits come to life. Partners can sponsor a kit, provide instructors, or host workshops, making workforce exploration accessible to every student in their community.
Our Electrical Kit — sponsored by Woolace Electric
Our vision for the full Ignite Mobile Kit fleet — self-contained kits on wheels, delivered anywhere by van or trailer.
Choose
Select from a menu of trade kits based on your community's needs and interests.
Deliver
Kits on wheels arrive by van or trailer, ready to set up in any space.
Ignite
Students start with purpose discovery, then dive into hands-on trade skills.
Transform
Students leave with direction, foundational skills, and a personal roadmap.
Trades We Envision
We're building toward a full fleet of trade kits. Here are examples of the skills we envision bringing to communities through mobile kits and partnerships.
Electrical
Wiring, circuits, switches, safety
Plumbing
Pipes, fittings, fixtures, water systems
HVAC
Heating, cooling, airflow, thermostats
Carpentry
Framing, measuring, cutting, joinery
Automotive
Engine basics, diagnostics, maintenance
Welding
Safety, MIG basics, metal joining
Culinary
Cooking basics, food safety, nutrition
Healthcare
First aid, vitals, patient care basics
Gardening
Planting, soil, irrigation, landscaping
Finance
Budgeting, banking, investing basics
Partner With Us to Build the Fleet
Businesses, churches, and organizations can sponsor an Ignite Mobile Kit — putting their name on a kit that brings hands-on trade exploration to students in their community. Every kit built means more students get a chance to discover their skills and their purpose.
Program Structure
Classroom + Practical Learning
Students split time between purpose discovery and hands-on projects, ensuring they build both the character and the skills for their future.
Mentorship
Every student is paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and real-world insight throughout the program.
Mobile & Scalable
Through Ignite Mobile Kits and community partnerships, workforce training goes wherever students are — no permanent facility required.
Community College Partnerships
A local community college is one of the most important partners in any Ignite Academy community. Here's why.
Earn High School Credit While You Train
When a community college partnership is in place, students can earn 1.5 high school credits as they go through the workforce program. The workforce skills curriculum flows through the community college, meaning students aren't just gaining experience — they're building toward an academic record that's recognized by schools and employers alike.
This creates a powerful bridge: students who may not be on a traditional four-year college path can still earn high school credits, gain hands-on training, and build a record that opens doors for their future.
How It Works
- Ignite partners with a local community college
- Workforce skills curriculum is certified through the college
- Students earn 1.5 high school credits as they complete training
The result?
Students walk away with purpose, a trade skill, and high school credit — all from one program.
A Workforce Student's Story
Ready to Build Your Future?
Whether you're a student, parent, or employer, we'd love to connect with you about our Workforce Development program.