Workforce Development
Character development meets hands-on career training.
Schools and communities across the country face the same challenge: students need real career pathways, and the skilled trades need the next generation of workers. Ignite Academy bridges that gap. Built on Wildfire Leadership's proven curriculum — the Mission Portrait™ and the 7 Igniters™ — our Workforce Development program pairs purpose discovery with hands-on trade training that can be delivered on-site at any school, community center, or partner location — on your schedule, with your students.
78%
Placed Within 90 Days
85%
Completion Rate
350+
Workforce Graduates
60+
Community Partnerships
Career Pathways
Communities tell us what they need — we build the solution. These programs can be run at a dedicated workforce shop, a school facility, a community center, or any partner location. Trade tracks are tailored to local workforce demands, with new tracks added as partners come on board. Current tracks include trades such as:
Automotive
From engine basics to diagnostics, students learn automotive repair and maintenance. In Defiance, our Auto Clinic also serves the community with affordable repairs.
Construction
Students gain skills in building, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing — learning to construct and maintain the spaces where communities live and work.
Welding
Using portable welding equipment, students learn MIG, TIG, and structural welding — a growing track designed for scalability and access.
Healthcare
Pathways for students interested in serving their communities through healthcare careers — one of the fastest-growing fields nationwide.
These pathways can run as ongoing programs at a dedicated facility — like our Defiance Auto Clinic — or as portable 16-hour workshops delivered through our Ignite Mobile Kits below.
Ignite Mobile Kits
In addition to our career pathway programs, we're building a fleet of self-contained, mobile training kits that can be delivered directly to schools and communities — eliminating barriers of cost, location, and access.
Our goal is to give students a taste of different skills to see what resonates with them. Each Ignite Mobile Kit is a fully self-contained training station built for up to 12 students — on wheels, ready to set up in any classroom, community center, or facility. No permanent shop required. Just roll in, set up, and ignite.
Every kit experience starts with purpose discovery through the Ignite Students curriculum, then moves into hands-on trade exploration. When a student uncovers their purpose and a skill — that's when transformation happens.
Through local partnerships — businesses, schools, and community organizations — these kits come to life. Partners can sponsor a kit, certify their own facilitators through Ignite, or host workshops — making workforce exploration accessible to every student in their community.
Our Electrical Kit — sponsored by Woolace Electric
Our vision for the full Ignite Mobile Kit fleet — self-contained kits on wheels, delivered anywhere by van or trailer.
Choose
Select from a menu of trade kits based on your community's needs and interests.
Deliver
Kits on wheels arrive by van or trailer, ready to set up in any space.
Ignite
Students start with purpose discovery, then dive into hands-on trade skills.
Transform
Students leave with direction, foundational skills, and a personal roadmap.
Some of the Trades We Envision
We're building toward a full fleet of trade kits. Below are a few of the skills we envision bringing to communities — with new tracks added as partners come on board.
Electrical
Wiring, circuits, switches, safety
Plumbing
Pipes, fittings, fixtures, water systems
HVAC
Heating, cooling, airflow, thermostats
Carpentry
Framing, measuring, cutting, joinery
Automotive
Engine basics, diagnostics, maintenance
Welding
Safety, MIG basics, metal joining
Culinary
Cooking basics, food safety, nutrition
Healthcare
First aid, vitals, patient care basics
Gardening
Planting, soil, irrigation, landscaping
Finance
Budgeting, banking, investing basics
Don't see your trade? We'll build a custom kit.
Partner With Us to Build the Fleet
Businesses, organizations, and community partners can sponsor an Ignite Mobile Kit — putting their name on a kit that brings hands-on trade exploration to students in their community. Every kit built means more students get a chance to discover their skills and their purpose.
16-Hour Hands-On Workshop. Your Schedule.
Same proven curriculum — delivered in whatever format fits your school, business, or organization.
Below are a few different formats we've seen work well — we'll shape the schedule to fit yours.
8 Class Periods
Drops into an existing CTE, elective, or advisory period across 1–2 weeks.
4 Half-Day Workshops
Morning or afternoon blocks. Students stay in their other classes the rest of the day.
Multi-Kit Rotation
Rotate through multiple trades in one semester — Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, and more.
3–4 Day Intensive
Concentrated daily workshops for businesses, workforce development, and summer programs.
All formats deliver the same 16-hour curriculum. Don't see your trade? We'll build a custom kit.
Instructor Options
Whether you want to equip your own staff or have us bring an Ignite-certified facilitator on-site, we have a pathway that fits.
Your Facilitator, Our Certification
Already have a teacher or CTE instructor? We certify and equip them to deliver the Ignite curriculum using our kits, materials, and lesson plans. Your people, our proven system.
Ignite Facilitator On-Site
We bring an Ignite-certified trade professional to deliver the full workshop — including purpose discovery, hands-on training, and certificates. Turnkey — just provide the space.
Program Structure
Classroom + Practical Learning
Students split time between purpose discovery and hands-on projects, ensuring they build both the character and the skills for their future.
Mentorship
Every student is paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and real-world insight throughout the program.
Mobile & Scalable
Through Ignite Mobile Kits and community partnerships, workforce training goes wherever students are — no permanent facility required.
Earning Credit While You Train
Students don't just gain experience — they can earn academic credit. There are multiple pathways depending on how your school or district is set up.
School-Based CTE Integration
Many school districts are already approved to offer CTE credits directly. When Ignite Academy's curriculum is integrated into existing class schedules — such as a STEM or career exploration period — students can earn CTE credit through their school without any outside partnership required.
How It Works
- Ignite curriculum is integrated into existing CTE or STEM classes
- The school grants CTE credit directly under their existing approval
- Students earn credit as part of their normal school day
Community College Partnership
For districts that prefer a community college pathway, Ignite Academy can partner with a local college to certify the curriculum. Students earn high school credits that flow through the college — creating an academic record recognized by schools and employers alike.
How It Works
- Ignite partners with a local community college
- Curriculum is certified through the college
- Students earn high school credits as they complete training
Either way, the result is the same:
Students walk away with purpose, a trade skill, and academic credit — all from one program.
A Workforce Student's Story
Ready to Build Your Future?
Whether you're a school looking for a workforce solution, a student ready to explore the trades, or an employer wanting to invest in the next generation — we'd love to connect.