TradesNKY and Campbell County Schools are expanding the hands-on career pathways for PK-12 students with the development of a regional manufacturing pathway known as MAKE.
This partnership links classroom learning with real workforce opportunities, guiding students from elementary school through exploration in middle school and hands-on experience, credentialing and technical training in high school, ultimately preparing them for college and career success at graduation.
The announcement builds on the district’s nationally recognized career pathway model and introduces new resources, curriculum development and industry partnerships designed to prepare students for high-demand careers.
“We are incredibly proud and honored to partner with Campbell County Schools,” said Phil Griffin, founder of TradesNKY. “They have already built an outstanding model for career pathways starting as early as preschool, and we’re excited to work alongside them to expand these opportunities and help even more students discover meaningful, in-demand careers.”
A key component of the program is direct involvement from industry professionals, who regularly engage in classrooms, providing real-world insights and hands-on instruction in partnership with teachers.
“This is one of the most innovative and comprehensive pathway models in the state,” said Lorraine Moore, executive director of TradesNKY. “Campbell County has built something exceptional, and our role is to come alongside them, strengthen it and help scale what works. Together, we are creating more opportunities for students to explore high-demand careers right here in our region.”
The initiative will include:
- Development of the MAKE manufacturing pathway to complement existing career tracks
- Expansion of kindergarten-five career clubs across all elementary school clusters
- Integration of TradesNKY resources into existing school programming
- Increased engagement with industry partners, who will work directly with students alongside educators
- Continued alignment of career pathways with academic achievement, reinforcing reading and math proficiency through real-world application,
“We are proud to continue expanding our PK–12 Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Engineering pathway, creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore, develop and apply skills aligned to high-demand careers,” said Superintendent of Campbell County Schools Shelli Wilson. “Through this pathway, students will have access to hands-on learning, industry-recognized certifications, and experiences that prepare them for both college and the workforce.
“This public–private partnership with TradesNKY is essential in providing authentic experiences and connecting our students to real opportunities. We are truly grateful for their investment in our students and in the future of our community. This work ensures our students are prepared, confident and ready to contribute to a rapidly evolving workforce.”