Skilled US
Skilled US is a nonprofit workforce development organization offering tuition-free career training, GED, and ESL programs to underserved adults and Opportunity Youth across multiple U.S. states, funded by federal grants, regional authority awards, and philanthropic donations routed through its PLA Schools network affiliation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Skilled US does
Skilled US is a Indianapolis-headquartered, private nonprofit workforce development organization that delivers 100% tuition-free career training to underserved adults (ages 16+ in Indiana, 17+ in other states) and Opportunity Youth (ages 18-24). The organization's portfolio spans six career pathways — Advanced Manufacturing + Robotics, Construction/Architecture & Engineering, Business & IT Services, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Transportation & Logistics — supplemented by GED/HSE preparation, English Language Learning (ELL/ESL) delivered via the third-party Burlington English platform, CTE high school courses, and the DOL-funded Skilled Indy YouthBuild construction program. A standardized five-stage process (Intake, Wrap-around Services, Soft Skills Training, Career Readiness, Employment Assistance) moves participants from enrollment through credentialing and job placement, with industry-recognized certifications (NCCER, OSHA, CDL, CCMA, CNA, Phlebotomy, EKG, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Tech) and 12 months of post-graduation support.
The business model is grant- and donation-funded, not tuition or fee-based. Primary disclosed revenue sources include a $1.3M U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild grant (January 2025) and a $300,000 Delta Regional Authority award (July 2025), supplemented by philanthropic donations routed through donatepla.org and partnerships with foundations such as Launch HOPE. Distribution is community-led: a self-serve website application with virtual interview follow-up is paired with referral pipelines through the Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) school network, Goodwill, Dress for Success, Conexus Indiana, community-based workforce agencies, employer hiring partners (e.g., Driveco), and job fairs across at least six states (Alabama, Indiana, Massachusetts, Texas, West Virginia, with hiring forms indicating presence in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and New Mexico). The organization has served over 930 students across five states and publicly targets reaching 1,800 in the upcoming year.
The technology stack is conventional and largely third-party: standard learning management and career readiness platforms plus Burlington English for ESL, with no proprietary AI/ML capability, API, or SDK disclosed. The organization is affiliated with the broader Phalen Leadership Academies network (doing business as includes Skilled Indiana, Skilled Alabama, Skilled Massachusetts, Skilled Texas, Skilled West Virginia, Skilled Indy YouthBuild, and PLA University), and is led by a small executive team including an EVP of Strategy & Growth who also serves as Executive Director for Alabama/West Virginia, regional Executive Directors, an Indiana Adult Education Director, and a National Marketing Specialist. Headcount is 11-50 employees and the founding year is listed as 2020 in firmographic data (though internal company-history material references a 2023 establishment, which may reflect a reincorporation or rebranding event).
Skilled US firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Skilled US
- Legal name
- Skilled US
- Website
- https://skilledus.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Skilled US is a nonprofit workforce development organization offering tuition-free career training, GED, and ESL programs to underserved adults and Opportunity Youth across multiple U.S. states, funded by federal grants, regional authority awards, and philanthropic donations routed through its PLA Schools network affiliation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Skilled US industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Workforce Development and Adult Education Services
- NAICS
- Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Educational Services (61)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Workforce & Career Transition Noncredit Programs (EDAAAEAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD), GED/HiSET Preparation & Instruction (EDAAABAA), Workplace & Career Integration for Immigrants (Credentialing, Job Readiness) (EDAAADAE)
Keywords
Where Skilled US is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Skilled US business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Grant Funding: Skilled US operates as a 100% tuition-free program funded primarily through government grants and foundation support. The organization received a $1.3 million YouthBuild grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to fund free construction training for youth ages 18-24 in Indianapolis.
- Donations and Philanthropic Support: Individual and organizational donations support program operations. The organization directs donors to a separate donation platform (donatepla.org) and partners with foundations like the Launch HOPE Foundation for specific career pathway initiatives.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Free | Free workforce training for all eligible adult participants |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Skilled US product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Skilled US delivers 100% tuition-free workforce development and adult education programs across six career pathways (Advanced Manufacturing + Robotics, Construction/Architecture & Engineering, Business & IT Services, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Transportation & Logistics), plus GED/HSE preparation, English Language Learning (ESL), and the DOL YouthBuild construction program for ages 18–24. Participants progress through a five-stage process (Intake, Wraparound Services, Soft Skills, Career Readiness, Employment Assistance) that produces industry-certified graduates for employer partners. The entire offering is free to participants and funded by grants and donations.
Product overview
Skilled US is a free workforce development organization offering a portfolio of tuition-free career training programs for adults (ages 16+) and youth. The core offerings consist of six career pathways—Advanced Manufacturing + Robotics, Construction/Architecture & Engineering, Business & IT Services, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Transportation & Logistics—complemented by GED/HSE preparation and English Language Learning (ELL/ESL) programs. Specialized programs include the YouthBuild construction training initiative for ages 18-24 and CTE pathways for high school students. The organization uses a five-stage process (Intake, Wrap-around Services, Soft Skills Training, Career Readiness, Employment Assistance) to move participants from enrollment through job placement. All programs feature industry-recognized certifications and wraparound support services including transportation and uniform stipends.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Advanced Manufacturing + Robotics Tuition-free job training program that teaches technology integration for Industry 4.0, including material handling and production assembly skills, aligned with regional advanced manufacturing employers such as Driveco and Conexus Indiana member companies. For adults ages 16+ in Indiana and 17+ in Alabama, Massachusetts, Texas, and West Virginia.
- Construction, Architecture & Engineering Tuition-free construction industry training covering NCCER Construction Fundamentals with OSHA certification, HVAC technician, and welding specialist career tracks. For adults ages 16+ in Indiana and 17+ in other operating states.
- Business & IT Services Tuition-free information technology training focused on systems support and IT support skills for career advancement in technology roles. For adults ages 16+ in Indiana and 17+ in Alabama, Massachusetts, Texas, and West Virginia.
- Entrepreneurship Tuition-free entrepreneurship training teaching entrepreneurial thinking, marketplace opportunity analysis, and business planning skills, delivered in partnership with the Launch HOPE Foundation. For adults in Indianapolis (in-person) and Fort Worth (virtual live stream).
- Healthcare & Life Sciences Tuition-free healthcare training covering multiple certifications including Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Qualified Medication Aide (QMA), Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, Phlebotomy, and Dental Assistant. For adults ages 16+ in Indiana and 17+ in other operating states.
- Transportation & Logistics Tuition-free supply chain and logistics training preparing students for CDL-A, CDL-B, and CDL Passenger endorsements for public transportation. For adults ages 16+ in Indiana and 17+ in Alabama, Massachusetts, Texas, and West Virginia.
- GED/HSE Program Tuition-free GED (General Educational Development) preparation with flexible scheduling, individualized instruction, structured academic support, accelerated learning boot camps, and official GED testing site services to help adults earn their high school equivalency diploma. For adults in Indiana.
- English Language Learning (ELL/ESL) Tuition-free English language learning classes for non-native speakers covering speaking, reading, writing, and listening across six proficiency levels from beginner to advanced career-ready, delivered through the Burlington English digital learning platform. For adults in Indiana.
- YouthBuild Program (Skilled Indy YouthBuild) Tuition-free construction training program for Opportunity Youth ages 18-24 in Indianapolis, funded by a $1.3 million U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild grant. Combines NCCER-certified construction training with GED classes, paid work-based learning, and 12 months of post-graduation support.
- CTE High School Pathways Career and Technical Education programs for high school students offering industry-aligned training in Information Technology, Education, Business/Entrepreneurship, Advanced Manufacturing, Civil Construction, Digital Design, Medical (CNA/Patient Care Technician), and Welding, enabling students to earn industry-recognized credentials and college credits. For high school students in Indiana.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 930 students trained across five states
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Skilled US
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Skilled US technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Skilled US partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Launch HOPE FoundationcoreSkilled US partners with the Launch HOPE Foundation to provide free entrepreneurship training to families in Fort Worth and Indianapolis. Classes began February 19th with in-person instruction in Indianapolis and virtual live stream for Fort Worth students. The foundation provides funding and program support for the Entrepreneurship Career Pathway.
- PeletonminorPartner logo displayed on Partner With Us page indicating collaboration in workforce development and training support.
- ConexuscoreConexus Indiana (manufacturing association) partner supporting advanced manufacturing training programs and industry alignment.
- Dress For SuccessminorPartner providing professional development support and career services for program graduates.
- GoodwillcoreGoodwill partnership supporting referral pathways and potentially training or employment services for participants.
- TheMatchminorTraining program partner listed under Our Partners section.
- KLRminorTraining partner listed under Our Partners section for career pathway programs.
- CTechminorTechnology training partner listed under Our Partners section.
- PLA SchoolscoreAffiliated network of Phalen Leadership Academies and partner schools that serve as referral sources and share organizational mission. Includes James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy, George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy, PLA@93, PLA@103, PLA@48, PLA Virtual Leadership Academy, Promise Prep, Hogan Prep, DCP Harper Woods, DCP Redford, Greater Heights Academy, Kids Care, Eagles Nest, Davis, Bellingrath, Nixon, Higher Institute of Arts and Technology, Trix Academy, Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Summer Advantage.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Skilled US competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Year Up: Year Up is a direct peer providing tuition-free workforce training and job placement for opportunity youth ages 18-24, with a similar six-month training-plus-internship model, employer partnership approach, and wraparound support services.
- Per Scholas: Per Scholas provides tuition-free technology and IT training to underserved adults with employer-driven curricula and direct hire pipelines, mirroring Skilled US's Business & IT Services pathway and employer-partnered job placement model.
- Eckerd Connects: Eckerd Connects operates Workforce Development and YouthBuild programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, making it a direct peer competing for the same federal funding pools and serving the same opportunity-youth population.
Broad incumbents
- Goodwill Industries International: Goodwill is a named Skilled US partner and a broad incumbent in workforce development, operating mission-driven training and job placement across hundreds of U.S. locations—directly competing for the same underserved adult learner population.
Emerging players
- NPower: NPower provides tuition-free IT and cybersecurity training with employer partnerships for underserved adults and veterans, partially overlapping with Skilled US's Business & IT Services pathway and serving similar demographics.
- LaunchCode: LaunchCode is a nonprofit offering free technology training and job placement with employer-sponsored apprenticeship models, overlapping with Skilled US's IT and entrepreneurship pathways and its no-cost-to-student positioning.
Others
- Penn Foster: Penn Foster is a named Skilled US partner and provides online career training and industry-recognized credentialing across trades, healthcare, and IT—an adjacent infrastructure/credentialing provider rather than a direct competitor.
Regional players
- Ivy Tech Community College: Ivy Tech is Indiana's statewide community college system and a major workforce-training provider in Skilled US's home market, competing directly for the same adult learner population and employer partnerships in Indiana.
- Workforce Development Board (local WDBs): Local Workforce Development Boards administer WIOA Title I training funds and American Job Centers across each state Skilled US operates in, serving as both referral partners and competing providers for the same federal training dollars.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Skilled US social profiles
Digital presenceSkilled US financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Skilled US leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Skilled US funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Skilled US M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Skilled US
What does Skilled US do?
Skilled US delivers 100% tuition-free workforce development and adult education programs across six career pathways (Advanced Manufacturing + Robotics, Construction/Architecture & Engineering, Business & IT Services, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Transportation & Logistics), plus GED/HSE preparation, English Language Learning (ESL), and the DOL YouthBuild construction program for ages 18–24. Participants progress through a five-stage process (Intake, Wraparound Services, Soft Skills, Career Readiness, Employment Assistance) that produces industry-certified graduates for employer partners. The entire offering is free to participants and funded by grants and donations.
Is Skilled US a public or private company?
Skilled US is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Skilled US founded?
Skilled US was founded in 2023. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Skilled US based?
Skilled US is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Skilled US make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Grant Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Philanthropic Support.
Who are Skilled US's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Year Up, Per Scholas and Eckerd Connects. Goodwill Industries International is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are NPower and LaunchCode. Penn Foster is listed as an others. Regional players are Ivy Tech Community College and Workforce Development Board (local WDBs).
Does Skilled US have an API?
No public API is recorded for Skilled US.
What industry is Skilled US in?
Skilled US's product category is Workforce Development and Adult Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAEAC, Workforce & Career Transition Noncredit Programs, with a secondary code of EDAAAOAD, Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth). Its NAICS code is 611519 and its SIC code is 8200.