TradesNKY launches workshop series with Campbell County Middle School

TradesNKY launched a new series of hands-on workshops with seventh-grade students at Campbell County Middle School in the spring of 2022, introducing young learners to the skilled trades through interactive projects and industry mentorship.

The workshop series marked one of TradesNKY’s earliest partnerships with a local middle school. Designed to move beyond traditional career presentations, the workshops immersed students in the skilled trades through hands-on activities that emphasized safety, teamwork and problem-solving. Students learned foundational construction skills while working directly with tools, materials and experienced professionals from the building industry.

The multi-week program allowed students to build confidence by developing new skills one step at a time. Throughout the series, students were introduced to proper tool safety, measuring techniques and construction fundamentals before applying those lessons to complete their own woodworking projects. Each workshop built on the previous session, reinforcing practical skills while demonstrating how planning and collaboration are essential on every job site.

In addition to learning technical skills, students had the opportunity to interact with local trades professionals who shared their experiences, discussed career pathways and answered questions about working in the industry. These conversations helped students gain a better understanding of the wide range of careers available in construction and the skilled trades, from carpentry and electrical work to plumbing, HVAC and project management.

The partnership with Campbell County Middle School established a foundation for TradesNKY’s growing presence in Northern Kentucky schools. What began as a workshop series would soon evolve into an expanded classroom curriculum, after-school clubs and comprehensive career exploration programs that continue to connect students with local employers and industry leaders.