At Thurgood Industries, we believe in the power of skilled trades to transform lives and communities. Founded with a mission to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, we’ve built a platform that connects tradespeople to meaningful careers while helping companies find the talent they need to grow. Our approach combines technology, education partnerships, and workforce insights to create pathways that didn’t exist before — especially for underrepresented groups in the trades.
Our story began with a simple observation: there are thousands of talented, hardworking individuals who never get the opportunity to showcase their skills because traditional hiring systems don’t reach them. We set out to change that. By collaborating with trade schools, workforce development agencies, and employers, we’ve designed tools that make it easier to build digital portfolios, verify experience, and access job opportunities across industries like construction, manufacturing, and energy.
But Thurgood is more than just a staffing platform — it’s a career ecosystem. We offer resources to help tradespeople upskill, track their professional growth, and even explore pathways to entrepreneurship. Whether someone is just starting their career or looking to take the next step, we provide the support and guidance to make those ambitions a reality. Our AI-driven matching system ensures that every candidate has a fair shot, not just based on resumes, but on real skills and potential.
Looking ahead, our vision is to become the leading infrastructure for workforce mobility in the trades. We’re continuously investing in technology, partnerships, and data to make our platform smarter and more effective. At the heart of it all is our commitment to equity, access, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to build a better future with their hands and their minds.




At Thurgood, we know that a strong workforce starts with strong partnerships. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with trade schools, unions, and employers to create direct pipelines from education to employment. By integrating modern tools like digital portfolios and verified credentials, we’re helping students and seasoned tradespeople alike stand out in a competitive market. Our platform ensures that every worker’s skills, projects, and certifications are visible to the companies that need them most.
Beyond connecting talent to jobs, we’re committed to building lasting careers. Our tailored resources — from mentorship programs to upskilling opportunities — are designed to help tradespeople grow in their craft and advance professionally. Whether someone’s goal is to become a master in their trade or to start their own business, Thurgood provides the connections and tools to make that journey possible.

At Thurgood, we know that a strong workforce starts with strong partnerships. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with trade schools, unions, and employers to create direct pipelines from education to employment. By integrating modern tools like digital portfolios and verified credentials, we’re helping students and seasoned tradespeople alike stand out in a competitive market. Our platform ensures that every worker’s skills, projects, and certifications are visible to the companies that need them most.
Beyond connecting talent to jobs, we’re committed to building lasting careers. Our tailored resources — from mentorship programs to upskilling opportunities — are designed to help tradespeople grow in their craft and advance professionally. Whether someone’s goal is to become a master in their trade or to start their own business, Thurgood provides the connections and tools to make that journey possible.
The trades are the backbone of our economy, yet too often the pathways into these careers are fragmented and outdated. At Thurgood, we’re redefining what workforce development looks like for the modern era. By combining smart technology with deep industry partnerships, we’ve built a system that not only matches workers to jobs but helps them build a career trajectory that’s sustainable and rewarding.
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Thurgood’s founder and CEO, Darnell Epps, has been featured on prominent programs discussing the U.S. labor shortage in manufacturing and trades. Notably:
CNN’s “Smerconish”, where Epps emphasized Thurgood’s role in supporting trade school students and skilled workers
NPR’s “The Indicator from Planet Money”, exploring his journey from Yale Law to Lincoln Tech and the mission to reshape perceptions of skilled trades
Thurgood Industries has achieved notable media presence across TV (CNN, NPR), print (Washington Post, AMT), and company-led channels. Central themes highlight the labor shortage, the value of skilled trades, and their mission to build digital profiles that showcase real-world craftsmanship. Coverage reinforces Thurgood’s positioning as an innovative player bridging education, industry, and community.
Thurgood Industries has achieved notable media presence across TV (CNN, NPR), print (Washington Post, AMT), and company-led channels. Central themes highlight the labor shortage, the value of skilled trades, and their mission to build digital profiles that showcase real-world craftsmanship. Coverage reinforces Thurgood’s positioning as an innovative player bridging education, industry, and community.
Thurgood Industries has achieved notable media presence across TV (CNN, NPR), print (Washington Post, AMT), and company-led channels. Central themes highlight the labor shortage, the value of skilled trades, and their mission to build digital profiles that showcase real-world craftsmanship. Coverage reinforces Thurgood’s positioning as an innovative player bridging education, industry, and community.