For students who want to learn more about trades without committing to a program will really enjoy this short Path to Pro Training program from Home Depot. The program is offered online, no cost, and entirely self-paced. This is a great way to explore the skilled trades online. I’ve written a plan to award 0.5 high school credits to your teen for the program.
What Is Path to Pro?
Path to Pro is Home Depot’s nationwide effort to close the skilled trades gap. It helps learners explore construction and trade careers through three connected parts:
- PathtoPro.com – a website with career profiles, videos, and guides for students, parents, teachers, and job seekers.
- Path to Pro Skills Program – free online training that introduces trade skills and career basics.
- Path to Pro Network – a free job platform connecting job seekers (age 18 and up) with hiring Home Depot Pro contractors.
The entire program is free. High school students can complete the training before age 18, and later join the job network once eligible.
The Free Training
The Path to Pro Skills Program includes three learning levels that can be completed on your own schedule.
1. Skills Basics
A short, one-hour introduction to the skilled trades. Students learn what trade work is like, which jobs are in demand, and what to expect on a worksite.
Jennifer’s feedback: I completed this 1-hour training to help me write this blog post. The videos don’t let you watch them faster. (Be ready for your teens to complain about how slow the hosts teach and their slightly cringy, dramatic enthusiasm.) Overall, the presentation is interesting and offers really good information about basic job skills and the tools you’ll need. This hour is really an overview of the program. You’ll get a simple certificate at the end of the hour. .
The teacher prompts you to “join the Path to Pro Network,” but that’s really for later when your teen is ready to look for work and is over 18. You can ignore that and proceed to Trades Essentials
2. Trades Essentials
Next, learners can take the online self-paced free course(s) in specific areas:
- Drywall (2 hours)
- Electrical (3 hours)
- General Construction (2 hours)
- HVAC (1 hour)
- Paint (1 hour)
- Plumbing (3 hours)
- Welding (2 hours)
- Refrigeration (1/2 hour)
Each section provides information through short video lessons and practice scenarios. Completion of any 1 section earns a certificate recognized by Home Depot Pros. Your teen can complete one, two, or even all the certificates. If you’re awarding high school credit, I recommend completing all of the sections in Trade Essentials.
3. Additional Training
The Additional Training section expands on workplace safety, jobsite communication, and career planning. These modules help learners prepare for employment and future advancement. Each module includes multiple videos. If you’re awarding high school credit, I recommend completing all of the videos in the Additional Training section.
EXTRA ACTIVITY #1: If you return to the main Path to Pro homepage, the “Resources” tab has a “Careers in the Trades” section that has wonderful resources for most trades. It includes the salary ranges and basic requirements to become skilled in the trade.
Identify and research all of the opportunities for training in the trades that are available to your teen now or after high school.
- Local community college / junior college
- Local unions
- Local apprenticeship organizations or programs
- Local workforce development center
The United States Department of Labor is also an excellent national resource. Knowing what is available is half the battle. Sometimes programs are really hard to find, so don’t stop until you get answers. If you keep hitting dead ends, reach out directly to a company that employs workers in the trade. Calling an HVAC company or an Electrical company will put you in direct contact with people who can help your teen aim in the right direction.
Completion of the program as outlined above for high school credit is recommended for 0.5 high school credits. Possible names for the course on your transcript (choose 1)
- Introduction to the Skilled Trades, 0.5
- Foundations of Trade Careers, 0.5
- Trade Skills and Career Readiness, 0.5
How the Job Network Works
Once participants turn 18, they can create a free Path to Pro Network profile. This allows contractors and employers to view training history, experience, and uploaded work samples. Students can apply directly to posted jobs or receive messages from hiring Pros in their area.
While the program itself does not replace a license or apprenticeship, it offers a valuable first step toward paid experience in the field.
Why It Matters for HS4CC Families
For Homeschooling for College Credit families, Path to Pro provides a low-risk, no-cost way to explore high-demand careers. Teens can complete the Skills Basics or Trades Essentials courses during high school as part of career exploration, elective credit, or work-based learning.
Because the program is entirely virtual and free, families can incorporate it into their homeschool plans without adding financial pressure. Students who enjoy the experience can pursue local apprenticeships, technical colleges, or industry certifications after graduation.
Three important links if you’re going in this direction.
Previous post: Free Safety Training for Trades (highly recommend!!)
Home Depot Path To Pro (official program website)
Homeschooling for College Credit Career, Technical, and Trades (our Facebook Group!)
