Nashville, Tn, – This bold collaboration is designed to provide former foster youth with direct access to Union Apprenticeship opportunities, career pathway, and the essential support needed to thrive in the Unionized Construction and Energy Industries.
Signed at the 2025 TVTLC/TVA Labor Management Conference, the Forever Family proclamation outlines a shared commitment to remove barriers for former foster youth by creating a pipeline into NABTU’s high-quality, debt-free Apprenticeship Programs.
Participants will receive guaranteed interviews for local Union Apprenticeship Programs.
Those selected will gain on-the-job experience with TVA partner contractors and receive wraparound support through the Tennessee Department of Labor and NABTU’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs – considered the gold standard for workforce training.
These world-class, tuition-free, “earn while you learn” programs – regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor and recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies – combine rigorous classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience.
Graduates become the most sought-after experts in their field, earning top industry credentials, competitive wages, and a fulfilling, secure, life-long career path in the Skilled Trades.
“This is what it looks like to build futures and community at the same time,” NABTU President Sean McGarvey said. “Building Trades Registered Apprenticeships are a pathway to the Middle Class. With this initiative, we’re giving young people from the foster system not just an opportunity to work, but an opportunity to belong – to be part of a Forever Family that supports them with the best trade skills and a family-sustaining career.”
TVA President & CEO Don Moul said: “As TVA seeks a deep, skilled, committed workforce that is eager to learn and build rewarding careers, the Forever Family initiative will allow these young adults to enroll in Trade Schools and Trade Programs that open up careers for them in the Utility Industry – growing the number of new people with skills critical to building both TVA and our national infrastructure. We’re excited for this opportunity and look forward to seeing the program and our students grow and prosper.”
Program Benefits Include: Career stability and economic opportunity in a sustainable, high-demand industry; A Building Trades Union and family culture that provides mentorship, community and professional development from day one through retirement; and Access to top-tier skills and training needed to build the energy and infrastructure systems of the future.
This initiative reflects the power of Labor-Management collaboration and a shared belief that everyone, regardless of background, deserves a fair shot at a fulfilling career, representatives of the group involved in the program said.
