Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – StoneGate Arts & Education Center in downtown Bedford will host a skilled trades showcase for south central Indiana Oct. 5.
About a dozen skilled trades will be represented, including electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters and bricklayers. StoneGate is located at 931 15th St.
The showcase will have sessions for high school students and an open session for adults.
“This will be a great opportunity for students and members of the community to speak directly with skilled trade workers and employers,” said Linda Henderson, StoneGate executive director. “There will be opportunities to learn about apprentice programs.”
Area schools will be invited to bring their juniors and seniors to the first two sessions. A third session from 2-4 p.m. will be open to the public.
The trades representatives will bring demonstrations, simulators and equipment. Students will also learn about careers and training opportunities.
“One of the goals of this is to address the shortage of skilled trade workers in Indiana,” Henderson said. “And we know not every student is interested in a four-year degree, but a two-year degree is an option and you can make a nice living wage in skilled trades.”
The camp is modeled after a similar building trades camp offered in Tippecanoe County last year. Henderson said she connected with Built to Succeed to find out about bringing the camp to high schoolers in south central Indiana.
StoneGate Arts & Education Center received a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to present the camp.
Showcase partners include Duke Energy, Built to Succeed, Ivy Tech, Work One McIntyre Bros. and the North Lawrence Career Center.
For more information, contact Linda Henderson at 812-279-8126 or