By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
Caverna school district’s straddling of two counties — Hart and Barren — drew representatives of both to the ribbon cutting for the district’s new welding unit.
Holly Crain (left) expressed her excitement in having a program that could positively impact the area’s industrial sector. Gage Wilson/ for Glasgow News 1
Representatives from both counties’ chambers addressed the crowd gathered at Caverna High School.
President of the Hart County chamber, Holly Crain, said, “We’re super excited to have a program like this exist in Hart County and it is our sincere hope that students feel like they’re prepared to hit the workforce and, hopefully, stay local.”
Maureen Carpenter (center) representing the Barren County Chamber spoke to attendees about her personal experience involving skilled trades. Gage Wilson/ for Glasgow News 1
Barren Inc. CEO Maureen Carpenter also shared her hopes for the unit using an anecdotal story. “My son did not like school. I said, ‘well you need to get involved in a skilled trades program’ and he chose welding. Now he’s 23 and owns his own home and loves what he does, so it’s always exciting for me to see students learning in a hands-on environment that will support the businesses in our community.”
School district superintendent Amanda Abell was the next speaker.
“We are so excited to begin this welding program, we currently have electrical technician and mechanic programs and we’re excited to see welding added,” she said.
Funding for this program came from LAVEC as well as the Dart Foundation, which, according to Abell, was the catalyst to this program. She said the district is already looking to expand the program with a “welding robot that we’re looking to invest in.”
Heading the program is educator Brad Davis, “This program is offered freshman year, by the junior year they would work toward their certification with the idea that their senior year would be devoted to them finding a job.”
After the ribbon cutting, attendees were invited to see the industrial maintenance classroom. Gage Wilson/ for Glasgow News 1
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