Owensboro High School’s carpentry and masonry programs hosted their annual Blue Collar Breakfast on Friday at Dee’s Diner, giving students the chance to network with professionals across the trades industry.
The event, now in its fourth year, connected students with local employers, contractors, and trade organizations to help them explore career options and build relationships that could lead to future employment. Carpentry teacher Nathan Meredith said the breakfast has grown each year thanks to strong community partnerships.
“Contractors need workers, and our students need jobs,” Meredith said. “It just makes sense to put them together in one place. I can’t promise anyone a job, but several of our students have been hired after meeting people at this event, and they’ve gone on to great opportunities.”
Meredith said the morning served not only as a networking opportunity but also as a confidence-building experience for students who might otherwise be hesitant to engage with potential employers. He created questionnaires for students to help guide conversations with business leaders and encourage meaningful interaction.
A special surprise this year came when Meredith announced that Duradero, a high-quality work boot company, would offer OHS students in the carpentry and masonry programs a heavily discounted rate on work boots, allowing them to purchase boots typically priced from $200-$300 for just $100. Meredith said that kind of support makes a big difference for young people preparing to enter the workforce.
“When you go into construction, you need proper gear, and some of our kids just can’t afford it,” Meredith said. “If we can help them get a quality pair of boots for their first job, that’s one less barrier standing in their way.”
A variety of local companies and organizations took part in the event, including Adam Hicks with the Home Builders Association, Moist Concrete, Lee Brick and Block, Steinkamp Lumber, and others representing fields from concrete to carpentry. The Sons of AMVETS 75 covered the cost of breakfast for all participating students.
Adam Ray, judge advocate for Sons of AMVETS 75, said his organization proudly supports the event because of its long-term impact on the skilled trades workforce.
“We’ve got an older generation getting ready to retire and not enough people coming in to replace them,” Ray said. “These kids need to know there are real opportunities in the trades — you don’t have to go into debt to make a good living. The sky’s the limit if they’re willing to learn and work.”
Students said the event helped them see real-world possibilities for their future careers.
“I like hands-on work, and I think it’ll be good for me to get out and help people build their dream homes,” said carpentry student Kyler Head.
Another student, Zach Comes, said the event opened his eyes to different paths within the trades.
“It let us meet people in the community and find out about all kinds of jobs,” Comes said. “At first, I thought I just wanted to do carpentry, but now I’m really interested in becoming a heavy equipment operator. There are so many opportunities out there if you’re willing to take them.”
Meredith said the Blue Collar Breakfast continues to fulfill its mission of connecting students with the people and resources they need to succeed after graduation.
“There’s a huge need for skilled tradesmen,” he said. “If we can get these kids started in the right direction, we’re helping them build a solid future and strengthening our community at the same time.”
