KE Logo
Karl Knobelsdroff Reading Book to children

Operation Trades Awareness™: 2024 Recap  

Operation Trades Awareness™ (OTA)™, launched in 2021, is a groundbreaking program dedicated to educating the next generation about the vast opportunities within the trades industry. With a commitment of $500,000 over the next ten years, KE aims to empower learners and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this field. 

Looking ahead, studies have indicated the trades industry must increase its workforce by 501,000 new workers to keep up with demand. Recognizing this need, OTA has emerged as a crucial initiative to bridge the gap and ensure a sustainable future for the industry. Through engaging and fun activities, this program aims to inspire the next generation of learners to consider trade careers. 

OTA is currently built on strong relationships with seven local Minnesota school districts, including Goodhue, Red Wing, Lake City, Cannon Falls, Zumbrota/Mazeppa, Pine Island, and Kenyon/Wanamingo. By working closely with these districts, KE brings the benefits of a career in the trades directly to students, educators, and parents alike.  

Karl Von Knobelsdorff, CEO/President, states, “Working with these school districts to communicate the benefits of a career in the trades is not only a message to the students but to educators and parents as well. We’re excited to continue expanding this program into more communities and encourage local companies to participate.” 

OTA Highlights 

Over the past three years, the impact of this program has been felt through various donations and activities to the participating school districts. KE has provided enriching experiences to students: 

  • Kindergarteners: 2,000+ kindergarteners received a construction focused children’s book.  
  • Kindergarteners – Sixth Grade: Through various partnerships, kindergarten through sixth graders involved in summer school programs received kits to create solar oven s’mores, solar water fountains, and solar bugs.  
  • High Schoolers: 180+ students experienced a solar site visit, where they learned about sustainable energy and community. 
  • Eleventh Grade: 90 high school juniors were awarded OSHA-10 certification scholarships, providing them with essential knowledge and skills in workplace safety.  
  • Twelfth Grade: 2,800+ high school graduates received an at-home/dorm tool kit, equipping them with the necessary tools to pursue hands-on projects and further explore their interest in the trades industry. 
  • Job Shadowing and Speaking Engagements: Many high school students had the opportunity to visit job sites, work throughout the summers in the shop, and visit select job sites to expand their knowledge of the field while gaining first-hand experience of what a job at KE might look like for them. Speaking engagements were given to students of all grade levels to introduce them to KE and what it means to work in the trades. 
  • Signing Day: High school, trade school and college graduates are welcomed to the KE family through a formal signing ceremony broadcasted to local communities. 
OTA High School Students Tour Solar Field in Marshall Minnesota

Career Exploration Day

On March 11, the solar project in Marshall, MN hosted 32 students from 6 area high schools: Hastings, Red Wing, Zumbrota/Mazeppa, Cannon Falls, Kenyon/Wanamingo, Lake City and Goodhue. The students had an opportunity to join our Safety, Energy and HR teams to tour the site, ask questions and see how solar is built.  

New Additions for 2024-25 School Year 

Thanks to the overwhelming success and positive feedback received, KE is thrilled to introduce two additional renewable energy activities to the OTA program for 1st and 3rd grade students for the 2024-25 school year: 

  • First Grade: Solar Oven S'mores, where students explore solar energy by creating delicious treats. 
  • Third Grade: Solar Bugs project, which inspires creativity while showcasing the practical applications of solar power. 

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Future Plans 

As OTA continues to gain momentum and inspire students, educators, and parents, its impact will undoubtedly extend further into additional communities, inviting local trade companies to participate and contribute to the growth and development of the trades industry. This program is rapidly growing, and expansion into new Minnesota counties and Midwest states, including Iowa and Illinois, is on the horizon for this coming school year and beyond. This new push will expand the trades awareness initiative to an additional 3,000 students each year. 

OTA is transforming the approach to trade education and career opportunities. With the commitment to inspiring the next generation, this program equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the trades industry. Through collaborations with local school districts, donations, and the introduction of engaging activities, OTA is shaping a brighter future for trades workers and our community.