(Newport, KY – June 27, 2025) Brighton Center, Inc. has received a $4,000 grant from Spirit of Construction to strengthen Trades to Success, a trades-focused program in Brighton Center’s Workforce Development department.
Brighton Center’s Trades to Success is a pre-apprenticeship program that links individuals to high-demand trade careers, offering career readiness activities and assisting with placement in apprenticeship and certificate programs or directly to employment. Over a 3-week cohort, individuals explore opportunities in skilled trades industries such as construction, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Participants are trained in Introduction to OSHA Safety, earn their Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and the Kentucky Essential Skills Certificate. As part of their education, individuals are encouraged to reflect on personal obstacles that may hinder the successful completion of skills training. Staff provide one-on-one support to assess self-sufficiency and create a tailored service plan using strengths and addressing challenges. Individuals engage in career readiness activities like resume building and mock interviews. Ultimately, individuals are matched with businesses and organizations offering training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Trades are a vital part of the workforce and offer steady employment in a demand industry sector that offers opportunities for career advancement. There is an increasing shortage of skilled trades employees in the United States due to enrollment in apprenticeships not keeping pace with the retirement of skilled laborers. The construction industry alone is facing a deficit of more than 500,000 employees. But for those interested in a long-term career with livable wages and great benefits, the trades are an excellent choice. According to the Department of Commerce, 91% of Apprentices nationally find employers after finishing their programs, and their national average starting wage is more than $45,000.
Since the inception of the Trades to Success program, more than 90% of those completing the cohorts either obtained employment, secured an apprenticeship, or enrolled in post-secondary to continue their training. “Trades are a vital part of the workforce and critical to a thriving community,” said Lauren Allhands, Workforce Development Director. As demand in other industries wanes, demand for careers in trades has remained steady, and in some cases, has even increased.”
To learn more about discovering new careers or share your trade career expertise, please visit www.brightoncenter.com or contact bburton@brightoncenter.com.
About Brighton Center
The mission of Brighton Center, Inc. is to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment, and leadership. We will achieve this mission by creating an environment that rewards excellence and innovation, encourages mutual respect, and maximizes resources. Brighton Center impacts the lives of thousands of individuals from infants to older adults through 47 programs across all of Northern Kentucky and beyond.
About Spirit of Construction
Founded in 1994, the Spirit of Construction is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering awareness of the importance of our region’s construction industry and creating opportunities for young people and young adults to thrive through careers in the space. We take a holistic approach to supporting the construction industry, focusing on workforce development, community outreach grants, and scholarships.