Fuel the Trades™
Powered by Carhartt
We exist to support the next generation of trades.
Trade programs teach the craft. We fill the gap on gear.
Trade programs do exceptional work teaching the craft. What most don't cover is the gear side — what to wear, what the ratings mean, how to show up to a jobsite protected and ready.
Fuel the Trades is Purpose-Built's program to close that gap. We work directly with CTE programs, trade schools, union apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship programs, and workforce development organizations — providing professional gear, on-site educational programs, competitions, community support programs, networking, partnership development, and real investment in the tradespeople coming up.
Fuel · Foster · Fund
Fuel
Professional workwear, boots, and PPE from the brands tradespeople rely on. Program kit pricing, student and staff discounts, and procurement support for carpenters, welders, ironworkers, plumbers, electricians, and every trade in between.
Foster
On-site workshops covering gear selection, PPE standards, and jobsite readiness. Boot Fitting 101, Safety Gear Breakdown, and Career Kickstart sessions built specifically for skilled trades programs.
Fund
Investing in programs through top student recognition, trade skill competitions, community events, and long-term partnerships with trade organizations, unions, and workforce development groups.
Your students need gear. We stock all of it.
Trade programs require PPE, workwear, and safety gear before students can train. Boots, hardhats, high-vis, gloves, work pants — we carry it all, from every brand built for the job.
Partner programs get dedicated procurement support, program kit pricing, and an exclusive student and staff discount in-store at any of our eight CA and NV locations and online. One place, one order, everything your students need to show up ready.
The Gear You Need, All in One Place
We show up twice. Both times count.
When your program partners with Purpose-Built, we come on-site twice per semester.
At the start of term, we run a one-hour workshop: Career Kickstart, Boot Fitting 101, and Safety Gear Breakdown — covering high-vis ratings, ANSI standards, and PPE basics. At the end of term, we come back to recognize your top students with a free pair of Carhartt boots and a full workwear kit.
Partner programs also receive a workshop banner, posters and flyers, branded swag for students, and social media amplification from Purpose-Built.
Backing the program. Backing your students.
Carhartt is the primary sponsor of Fuel the Trades. Their support covers the top student awards — free boots and a full workwear kit — co-op funding for program materials and swag, and subsidized product pricing so partner programs get the best possible rate on gear.
Who Qualifies
Hands-on trade programs that are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Foundational training that prepares individuals for entry into skilled trades and registered apprenticeships.
CTE Programs
Career & Technical Education at high schools and community colleges.
Union Apprenticeships
Programs run by local unions and trade organizations.
Trade Schools
Dedicated vocational schools and college-level programs.
High School ROP
Regional Occupational Programs building hands-on trade skills.
Workforce & Community-Based Organizations
Local nonprofits and workforce agencies connecting individuals to training and career pathways to skilled trades.
- Located within 15 miles of a Purpose-Built retail location
- Skilled trade program — Construction, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Welding and Fabrication, Automotive and Diesel, Heavy Equipment Operation, Ironwork and Structural Steel, Millwright, Masonry, or Drywall and Finishing Trades
- Includes hands-on training with real PPE and workwear requirements
What Your Program Gets
Proof It Works
Fresno City College
College-level trades program. Full gear education and end-of-term recognition. Instructors asked us to come back the following semester.
CCBE Design Build
Three-day trade competition at the Caruthers Fairgrounds bringing together high school CTE and ROP students from across Central California. Purpose-Built showed up with the mobile retail truck, ran Boot Fitting and PPE breakdown sessions on-site, and brought Fuel the Trades merch and gear directly to the students competing.
Bring Fuel the Trades to Your Program.
Submit your program below. Your local Purpose-Built rep will follow up within 48 hours to walk through gear needs, kit pricing, and next steps.
Apply Your Program
We Also Show Up in the Field.
Fuel the Trades runs large-scale community events, trade skill competitions, and workforce activations across CA and NV. If you're a trade organization, union, employer, or brand looking to sponsor or participate, we want to hear from you.
