Empowering Lives, one skill at a time
"We care about the whole person"
Overview
The shortage of skilled tradespeople has been a growing crisis for decades, accelerating with the Great Recession of 2008 which led to a mass exodus of workers and cuts to vocational programs. It was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw more workers retire or leave the trades. Key contributing factors include an aging workforce, the cultural emphasis on four-year degrees, reduced vocational training in school, and a widespread societal stigma against trades as a career path.
Join Us
ZigZagZig 360 trades, Inc. is reaching out to individuals eager to embark on a fulfilling journey in the trades, seeking to learn, develop, or master their skills, or find a mentor to guide them to the next level.
About the Program
Holistic approach: We focus on the whole person, providing on-hands training, skilled trades, safety, and essential life skills.
Practical skills development: Our program includes crucial financial literacy, skills like budgeting, bank account mgmt., bill payment, and managing family income.
Building a supportive community: We emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and fostering respect within the community.
Hands-on experience: Gain practical, real-world experience that will prepare you for a successful career in your chosen trade.
Benefits of joining
Expert mentorship: Connect with experienced tradespeople who will guide and support your development every step of the way.
Comprehensive training: Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your chosen trade and build a lasting career.
Empowerment and growth: Develop essential life skills and financial literacy for personal and professional success.
Join ZigZagZig 360 Trades, Inc., to gain the skills, mentorship, and support you need to achieve your goals and build a bright future in the trades. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how to apply.
Our Story
Reginald Boone is the visionary founder of ZigZagZig 360 Trades, driven by a commitment to address the critical shortage of skilled trades professionals. His journey began early, learning the trade of plastering not just with his hands, but with his heart. At the age of 15 under his stepfather's guardianship, a master craftsman with calloused hands and a kind spirit, put a trowel in his hands. "This isn't just about mixing mud and smoothing walls, son," he would say, his voice resonating with years of hard-won wisdom. "It's about leaving your mark on the world, one wall at a time."
His stepfather constantly preached that their trade was at risk of disappearing, a craft being slowly forgotten in a world obsessed with speed and cheap materials. "It's our duty to pass this knowledge to the youth, to ensure the next generation can build, create, and feel the pride of a hard day's work," he'd insist. Reginald took his stepfather's words to heart and extended the trade to his childhood friends, whom his stepfather trained as well.
After his stepfather's passing, Reginald felt a profound sense of loss. But with that loss came a fierce determination to honor his stepfather's legacy.
He couldn't stand by and watch as the skilled trades his stepfather loved became a distant memory. He knew there were others like him, industrial individuals yearning for a career that offered more than just a paycheck-a career that offered tangible sense of purpose and the opportunity to build a better community.
In March 2013, Reginald was introduced to Djuana Vicks on a conference call. The conversation developed into a partnership. Later, Reginald shared his vision and she began working diligently with him to make sure the vision became a reality.
And so, ZigZagZig 360 Trades, Inc. was born. The name, a playful tribute to the unpredictable, yet ultimately rewarding, path of a tradesman's life, embodied Reginald's vision. It wasn't a business; it was a movement.
The mission was simple: restore the skilled trades by training a new generation of artisans. Reginald is dedicated to fostering a new generation of skilled tradespeople by providing holistic comprehensive training and development opportunities.
About us
ZigZagZig 360 Trades, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We are dedicated to more than just job training-- we're here to help individuals transform their lives. Empowering individuals to develop their skills and integrity as craftspeople while making a positive difference in our community.