Projected annual demand
1.7 million openings
The Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades estimates this many U.S. skilled-trades openings each year through 2035, including both job growth and replacement of workers leaving these occupations.
A national vision for workforce transformation
Don’t wait for
opportunity.
Build it.
Build local talent. Build lasting prosperity.
1848 equips communities to connect hands-on discovery, skills training, employers and support—so people can build careers, businesses and a life of purpose.
Real skills. Human connection.The hands-on foundation at Kilroy’s Workshop.
14 years of hands-on successThe Kilroy’s Workshop foundation
Locally led. Nationally connected.Shared standards. Community ownership.
From inspiration to opportunityCareers, entrepreneurship and belonging
The scale of the challenge
A national challenge.
A connected national response.
America needs more than isolated training opportunities. 1848’s vision is a complete national ecosystem—locally led pathways connecting discovery, training, employers and the support people need to keep moving forward.
Training pipeline
55 for every 100
The Alliance reports that training programs produce approximately 55 workers for every 100 needed.
Completion matters
Only half finish
According to the Alliance, only about half of people entering skilled-trades training complete their programs.
Source: Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, The State of America’s Skilled Trades: A National Report, released September 30, 2026, covering 124 occupations across all 50 states. Read Ford’s original research announcement ↗
We cannot climb this mountain one program at a time.
1848’s answer is connection: help people discover a trade, enter training, overcome practical barriers, connect with employers and build lasting careers. Connect local efforts through shared standards, a common playbook and learning that travels from community to community.
The research establishes the scale of the need. Building a complete national ecosystem is 1848’s proposed response—not a claim that the report endorses 1848 or that our national network is already built.
See how the pieces fit together ↓How we work together
One mission.
Distinct roles.
A national home, a shared community model and a hands-on training foundation—working toward opportunity that lasts.
The national home
America’s Family
The nonprofit home of 1848, bringing people, partners and resources together to expand access to opportunity.
Visit amfol.org ↗The community model
1848
The shared mission, standards, playbook and learning network that help local leaders build workforce pathways.
Explore the playbook ↓The hands-on foundation
Kilroy’s Workshop
Fourteen years of hands-on success informing the model through maker experiences, skills instruction and training innovation.
Visit kilroysworkshop.com ↗Local leaders bring it to life: convening employers, educators, nonprofits and supporters around their community’s needs.
The vision • national reach, local ownership
Built on experience.
Designed to grow.
Build on Kilroy’s 14-year history. Test and refine the community model in McKinney. Share what works so more communities can build their own pathways to opportunity.
INSPIRE → DISCOVER → TRAIN → EMPLOY
ENTREPRENEUR → MENTOR → GIVE BACK
ENTREPRENEUR → MENTOR → GIVE BACK
01
Share the method, not a building.
National standards and tools. Facilities and programs shaped by local needs.
02
Connect the whole journey.
Employers, training partners and practical support—with a clear owner for each handoff.
03
Measure opportunity, not just attendance.
Track credentials, employment, retention, business creation and belonging.
Community creation playbook
A clear path from
interest to impact.
Eight stages help local leaders organize, launch responsibly and improve through evidence.
Qualify
Confirm local need, champions and employer demand.
Organize
Form a founding committee and name a local owner.
Assess
Map people, workforce needs, assets and gaps.
Design
Connect training, employment and practical support.
Build
Prepare governance, partners, safety and systems.
Launch
Pilot, resolve gaps and meet launch requirements.
Prove
Demonstrate progress toward meaningful opportunity.
Improve
Share learning, strengthen delivery and renew.
Start with people and employer needs—not a facility. Advance through readiness reviews, with safety, dignity and accountability at every stage.
Read the community playbook ↗Watch • America’s Family
See the vision.
Press play.
Watch the America’s Family video.
Watch on YouTube ↗America’s Family video
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Listen • 1848 Original Music
The sound of
the movement.
Original music from 1848 Revolution of Hope. Explore the full playlist and find your inspiration.
Press play to listen. Choose a song using the player’s playlist menu.
Open the full playlist on YouTube ↗1848 Original Music playlist
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Your community. Its next chapter.
Bring local leaders, employers and educators together.
Start a conversation about what 1848 could make possible.
Common questions
A practical place to start.
What is 1848?
1848 is a community workforce-transformation model connecting hands-on discovery, training, employers and practical support. Local leaders shape programs around their community’s needs.
Who should get involved?
Community leaders, employers, educators, nonprofits and supporters can help identify local needs and build partnerships. Start a conversation about your role.
Do we need a building before we begin?
No. The playbook starts with people, employer demand and local readiness—not a facility. Begin by identifying champions, needs and existing resources.
Is 1848 already operating nationwide?
National reach is the vision. The model draws on Kilroy’s Workshop’s hands-on experience, with McKinney identified as the setting for testing and refinement. Contact the team for current availability and local plans.
Start a conversation
Let’s talk about
your community.
Tell us where you are, who you represent and what you hope to build. You do not need a facility or a finished plan to start a conversation.
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