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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026


Success StoryArcs & Sparks



Arcs & Sparks

Author: Molly Jordan

Planning Unit: Bracken County CES

Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology

Plan of Work: Youth Agriculture Education

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that more than 3 million skill trade jobs will remain open by 2028. Skilled trade jobs vary from plumber to electrician to welder. The Arcs & Sparks is a welding program was offered by Bracken County 4-H in hopes to allow students to gain interest in a skilled trade. During the first meeting, youth were introduced to shop safety, proper PPE, and learned how to move their hand to make a weld. This was done by using can squeeze cheese and crackers. The next 4 classes were at the Bracken County High School shop. During these classes participants worked on striking an arc and making a bead with stick welders. The students involved in the program, have already shown interest in further their knowledge of welding.