Lebanon, IN – The Boone EDC (Boone County Economic Development Corporation) and the Boone County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the 3 Boone County schools held a Trades Signing Day for students entering trades careers.

This year more than thirty Boone County students will enter a trades program or the workforce from the county’s 3 schools.  The event, similar to an athletic signing, was held at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

“It’s an important moment for us to recognize the value and importance of trades careers,” said Boone EDC Executive Director Molly Whitehead. “Each student that enters a trade career equips our communities for future success. Careers like electrician, plumber, technician, machinist will continue to hold value and provide a competitive wage as our local economy grows.”

Nearly a dozen students representing Lebanon Community Schools and Western Boone Schools participated in this first-time event which was met with great pride and interest.

The event was emceed by RLTuner President and CEO Adam Owens. Owen’s commended the students on their commitment to trade and encouraged them to continue to strive towards success. Each student was recognized along with their respective representative and given the opportunity to sign a Workforce Ready certificate. To participate in the signing event the student must be enrolled in a certification or training program, an apprenticeship program, vocational or trade school, or have a letter of intent from their employer.

The event’s keynote speaker Matt Degolyer from Indiana Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship challenged the students to “take pride in what you do. Learn what you do well and use that to be competitive in the workplace.”

“Organizations, educators, and businesses working together to create opportunities to attract, develop, and recognize our future skilled workforce is imperative for the growth and success of our business community,” said Diane Schultz, Executive Director of the Boone County Chamber of Commerce.

“It is very exciting to partner with the Boone County Economic Development Corporation and all three Boone County public school systems to host the inaugural Trades Signing event, recognizing graduating seniors who are committed to a skilled trades career, which will be rewarding not only in the accomplishments of their training and the work they will be performing but also financially.”

The event was sponsored by Lebanon Kiwanis Club, RLTurner, and Ivy Tech Community College.