1,000+ Detroit Youth to Join First “Mass Registration” for Skilled Trade Jobs in U.S. History

Written By Media Alert

WHAT’S HAPPENING

On September 17, local unions and youth organizers will host a historic event at the Royal Oak Music Theatre to connect young people with new high-paying careers in Michigan’s growing clean economy. The “first-ever mass registration of youth for clean jobs in U.S. history” (Pollstar) is expected to draw over Gen Z attendees since its announcement on August 27, driven by organic word of mouth and excitement for the headlining artist, Lil Tecca.

Lil Tecca, whose hit “Ransom” has over 1 billion Spotify plays and over 400 million views on YouTube, will headline the free concert for fans who sign up to learn about local training and jobs in clean energy, green construction, and advanced manufacturing for EVs and batteries. 

FREE tickets are available at tradesforce.org/events/detroit.

KEY VISUALS & MOMENTS

  • Lil Tecca Live Performance: High-energy concert celebrating youth exploring skilled trade careers.

  • Mass Action with Youth: Youth-led mass action to share job opportunities, creating compelling visuals of active engagement.

  • Speakers and Interviews: Soundbites from youth and community leaders on the impact of skilled trade opportunities.

STATS & IMPACT

  • 78% of attendees are Gen Z. Median age is 22 years old.

  • 46% of attendees are seeking training for themselves; 43% know someone interested in training; 11% are already working in skilled trades.

  • Top interests: Electrical Workers (21%) and Operating Engineers (15%).

  • 12,205 new jobs have been announced in Michigan since passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, according to tracking by E2, making Michigan the #3 state in the nation for clean economy jobs after Georgia and South Carolina.

WHY COVER?

  • Historic Collaboration: Local training providers, community organizations, unions, businesses, and youth are coming together in unprecedented cross-sector collaboration to connect new workers with high-paying skilled trade jobs.

  • Youth at the Center: America needs 1 million new skilled trade workers to implement the Inflation Reduction Act, lower energy costs, and meet U.S. climate targets. Youth are leading the way by signing up to learn more and share information with friends.

  • Visual Impact: High-energy performances, mass actions, and the atmosphere of youth engagement offer compelling visuals.

  • Part of a National Story: More mass registration events are forming across the country in September, including the second in New Orleans with bounce legend Big Freedia.

  • Election Coverage Tie-In: The event coincides with National Voter Registration Day, offering a unique issue-based angle for election coverage.

KEY PARTNERS & INTERVIEWS

Michigan Workforce Development Institute (MIWDI) will be on-site to connect youth to top training for high-paying union jobs in Detroit’s clean economy. “Michigan needs over 5,000 new workers per trade to meet rising clean economy growth. These are high-paying careers where you can get paid to train, have no student debt, and make a real impact,” said Ken Toll, Training Director at MIWDI.

#iVoted Concerts is producing the event and other mass registration concerts across the U.S. as part of the Music Votes Coalition, which aims to bolster youth turnout around important non-partisan issues ahead of the 2024 election. “Young voters are our future in every way. Defining what they want our economy to look like epitomizes everything we’re doing in Detroit next week with TradesForce and beyond. We’re so excited and proud to be sharing real opportunities for high-paying jobs that will change lives, the future in Michigan, and us all for the better,” said Emily White, Founder and CEO at #iVoted Concerts.

Steen Foundation will be on-site to connect with youth and help them create pathways to impactful careers. “Gen-Z is highly motivated by purpose-driven work, particularly in sustainability. This partnership aligns with our mission to provide Gen-Z with opportunities in industries that offer both financial stability and positive environmental impact, positioning them as leaders in the clean economy,” said Jeremiah Steen, Founder of Steen Foundation.

MEDIA ACCESS & CREDENTIALS

TV crews and photojournalists are invited to cover the event.

  • Check-in/set-up: 5pm

  • Doors: 6:30pm

  • Event Starts: 7:30pm

  • Address: Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067

For credentials and interviews, contact:

ABOUT TRADESFORCE

TradesForce is a new collaboration between unions, community organizations, industry leaders, and philanthropy to connect new workers to high-paying, high-impact careers in America’s growing clean economy. For more information, visit tradesforce.org.

Media Alert
Next

Big Freedia to Headline First “Mass Registration” of Women for Clean Economy Jobs