2023 Pitch for the Skilled Trades

All NACCE member organizations are encouraged to apply.

What is the maximum award per college? -  Amounts are varied. 

Who may pitch?

Faculty, staff and administrators from NACCE member colleges. At least one "pitcher" on the project must be registered for the NACCE Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, October 29 to November 1, 2023 and be available to participate in-person in the final round of pitch competition.

What level of commitment does a project need from its institution?

The project must have the support of your community college president and other members of the leadership team.

Who else at my college should know about this project?

In addition to your typical procedures, be sure to confirm that your college’s grants management and/or foundation departments are aware of the project. Grant checks should be managed through the college foundation.

Be sure to confirm that your college’s foundation and grants management are aware of the project and the funds must be used as submitted.

May an institution submit more than one application for a demonstration project that promotes the skilled trades?

Yes, multiple applications will be considered, however, only one team per college may be selected for a cash award. NACCE looks forward to hearing about the vast and diverse work you are proposing at your institutions.

What is considered a skilled trade?

The definition of skilled trade is fairly broad and includes but is not limited to: industrial millwright, marine technology, welding, HVAC, carpentry & construction, aerospace & aviation, collision repair, automotive technology, diesel technology, truck driving, and advanced manufacturing. Strongest consideration will be given to skilled trades in high-demand areas.

What are the requirements of the pitch?

In the semi-final round, you have three-minutes to tell us your story; make it compelling and unique to your situation. Pitches in the final round are held to three-minutes. Pitches are to be conducted “in-person” (live or virtually) by a single pitcher or as a team effort. Videos may not be incorporated into your pitch. We are looking forward to seeing that your proposal is fiscally sound. We are not looking for a fully vetted business plan at this point. The scoring rubric that is being used for this competition is posted on the Pitch for the Trades page for your review.

Does the project need to have a fully vetted business plan behind it at this point?

We are looking to see that your proposal is fiscally sound.

What are the criteria being used in the initial, semi-final and final rounds?

The scoring rubric that is being used for this competition is posted on the Pitch for the Trades page for your review. Competitive projects are those that demonstrate “greatest” economic impact on the local level with respect to jobs created, employment obtained, income earned, and businesses launched.

• The pitch will be conducted virtually as a team for the semi-final round.
• The pitch will be conducted in person as a team if selected for the final round.
• The proposal is fiscally sound. Along with, how will the project be fiscally sustainable in the future?
• Make it compelling and unique to your situation.
• What is the economic impact on the local level?
• Employment
• Economic Vitality
• Job Creation
• Earning Potential
• Entrepreneurial Activity

Does my project need to launch student businesses to participate?

A benefit of your project may be the creation of one or more businesses, but it is not necessary to participate in Pitch for the Trades. Our primary goal is to expand opportunities in the skilled trades and apprenticeships.

What to expect if my team wins

Each winning team will be required to submit and engage in:

• Financial data
• Impact photos and stories
• A classroom or community lesson(s) to be shared
• Optional participation in the “mentoring by the numbers” model that helps winning teams stay on track with budgeting and goals

Focus of the Pitch Presentation

Here is an overview of the questions to answer in the three-minute presentation:

• Pitch Project Title
• Contact information for the application & institution.
• Pitch Project Description (short overview)
• What problem or challenge is this project working to solve for the institution and/or community?
• How might your project provide a solution to the problem or challenge?
• How much funding is required to execute your project?
• What is the anticipated timeline implementation?
• How will the project be sustained financially into the future?
• What is the proposed budget? Broken to high level components (Supplies, Equipment, etc.)
• How many students will be served by academic year, semester, etc.?
• If you can project, how many jobs will be created?
• If you can project, will any businesses be launched and if so, how many?
• What skills will students gain to help become financially independent?
• What are your key indicators and how will they be measured (i.e., jobs created, earnings potential, new ventures, etc.)?

Focus of the Pitch Presentation

Here is an overview of the questions to answer in the three-minute presentation:

• Pitch Project Title
• Contact information for the application & institution.
• Pitch Project Description (short overview)
• What problem or challenge is this project working to solve for the institution and/or community?
• How might your project provide a solution to the problem or challenge?
• How much funding is required to execute your project?
• What is the anticipated timeline implementation?
• How will the project be sustained financially into the future?
• What is the proposed budget? Broken to high level components (Supplies, Equipment, etc.)
• How many students will be served by academic year, semester, etc.?
• If you can project, how many jobs will be created?
• If you can project, will any businesses be launched and if so, how many?
• What skills will students gain to help become financially independent?
• What are your key indicators and how will they be measured (i.e., jobs created, earnings potential, new ventures, etc.)?