A Partnership that Pays Off: The Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters

Hope Harp, Outreach Specialist with the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (CMRCC), speaks plainly when she talks about why her organization shows up for students in the Academies of Louisville.

“CMRCC invests because we need these kids to come out with these skills. We want to be part of the community. It's not just about work, it's about making sure that young people know there is so much more out there and you can be successful without having to go to college.”

For CMRCC, being present in schools like Jeffersontown, Iroquois, and Pleasure Ridge Park isn’t just about recruiting for the trades. It’s about changing the conversation around what success can look like—and who it’s for.

A Clearer Path Into the Trades

One of the ways CMRCC supports students is by removing barriers. And that starts with Hope’s position itself.

“This position, this position that I have, this outreach specialist, this is something that they made up just so that we could do this, going out talking to students, making sure that we have articulations to have a direct path into apprenticeship after graduation. There's not gonna be a bunch of obstacles or additional hoops to jump through because they participate in the CTE programming through the Academies of Louisville.”

The trades aren’t just an alternative—they’re a pathway filled with opportunities. And some come with benefits students might not expect.

“Every one of our apprentices takes four college credits through Ivy Tech and they graduate with their associates degree. It doesn't cost them anything. But if they don't wanna go to college, that doesn't mean that they're never gonna be successful. Those two things don't equate.”

Strong Connections—and a Soft Spot for Iroquois

Through her work in schools, Hope has built genuine connections with students and instructors—especially at Iroquois High School, where the welding teacher learned under Hope’s wing.

“We have a great relationship with the welding instructor there. He was one of my apprentices as well. He cares about those kids. He wants what's best for those kids. They have great programming. I mean, that Masonry program is one of a few in the whole state. I love Iroquois, you know, those kids, though… those kids want to learn.”

Hope isn’t focused only on bringing students into the CMRCC. She’s focused on helping them discover what’s possible—across all the trades.

“There's a space for everybody. It may not be with us. It might be with another trade, but there are so many things out there that they don't have any idea about and nobody's telling them.”

Investing in People—and the Community

Part of what makes CMRCC’s approach work is the personal connection students get. They hear directly from the professionals they could be working with one day.

“We have open houses several times during the year. We go out there, we talk to the students, and let them know about these opportunities that are out there for them. Whether it's one of the outreach specialists or the actual business representatives that work for the council. And I like those guys to go out and talk because they're the ones that the kids are gonna work with. They're the ones that are gonna help find these kids jobs when they graduate from high school. And that's why I want them to know, we want you. The trades want you. The trades need you. I don't want to work in that building. I want to work on that building.”

Hope believes students deserve to be thinking long-term—and that they need support from trusted adults and local employers to do that.

“There are so many options out there and they owe it to their 50-year-old self to look into that stuff, because it's not mom and dad or grandma and grandpa or Uncle Joe that's gonna have to do that for 30 years. It's you, right? So find something that you love.”