ABC Ohio Valley's national award-winning TOOLS program offers members access to a new pipeline of skilled trades talent.

What does the TOOLS program do?

  • ​Identify students interested in skilled trades careers
  • Organize skilled trades events, mentorships, & teacher advisory opportunities
  • Connect contractors to schools       
  • Provide scholarships, tools, and other resources to help graduating students get hired
  • Provide students of all ages with exposure to careers in construction through community outreach  

​Award-winning outreach

ABC Ohio Valley launched the TOOLS program at the start of the 2020-2021 school year, aiming to encourage local youth to pursue careers in the construction industry. Since then, it has reached hundreds of students, offering them invaluable hands-on experiences and helping them launch successful careers.

Just two years after its creation, TOOLS. received distinguished recognition for its success: CURT (Construction Users Round Table) honored the program with its Workforce Development Award, a testament to its profound and positive impact on the construction industry. The CURT award positioned TOOLS as a model of innovation and excellence, establishing it as one of the nation's most exceptional programs.

Click here to visit the TOOLS Program Foundation site

Interested in finding new hires for your company?

Reach out directly or complete the form below to learn more about what TOOLS can do for you.

Nick Smiley
Executive Director, TOOLS Program