Skilled Trade Academy

Congratulations to our latest graduates, DJ and Mike! 🎉

The heat, hard work, and long days. This cohort tackled it all without complaint.

"I'll never forget this. I learned how to do so much. Working with Markeita [STA Program Coordinator] on job interview and resume stuff too, that's gonna stick with me forever." -DJ

Wishing you a safe and fun weekend as we celebrate freedom, courage, and the spirit of community that brings us together.

Soldering lessons in progress 🔥

Putting in the work- from the construction site to the classroom! DJ and Michael are flexing their safety knowledge today as part of OSHA 10 training. 💪

Don’t underestimate the mini marshmallows! This activity always gets a few laughs from students, but it consistently proves to be a great exercise in teamwork, coordination, and structural thinking.

We remember, honor, and reflect.

Through various jobs and creative endeavors over the years, Steph realized that for her be fulfilled – she needed movement, variety, and creativity.

“I’ve always done stuff with my hands. As a kid I’d take apart toys and put them back together,” she recalls. “For work, I’ve done a lot of landscaping and have been a stage hand.”

Through her aptitude for gig work and flexibility, Steph has been part of some cool projects, including helping with dome restoration at the Kentucky State Capitol Building.

Steph wanted to level up her patchwork of skills, paving the way to better paying, more consistent jobs. That’s when she heard about Skilled Trade Academy.

“I thought if you know how to build a house, then you can build about anything,” She says. “I like learning whatever I can and becoming more adaptable.”

Steph credits Skilled Trade Academy with helping her improve both her tool and problem-solving skills, and says what she learned will be meaningful in her upcoming roles as a stage hand. “If you can build props, speaker towers, stages... you can go further and make more money that way.”

Steph also looks forward to building, as she puts it, “weird, artsy furniture”.

When asked what her advice to others would be, Steph says, “Absolutely do it. Get the training. Ask for help. I have ADHD and BPD, I know what it’s like to feel like you can’t figure your future out – but don’t let lack of confidence hold you back. Everyone here [OWL] wants to help you.”

With her positive attitude and seemingly endless energy, Steph is a force that can’t be kept down.

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Hats off to Chrissy and Steph! 🎓 Two more graduates, two more bright futures. They're ready to build what's next, and we'll be cheering them on every step of the way.