Homeschool Educational Track:
Shop & Trades
ABOUT Shop & Trades TRACK
We partner with Kilroy’s Workshop, out of Colorado Springs, to bring our community access to Shop & Trade skills such as Welding, Blacksmithing / Bladesmithing, Casting, Jewelry Making, and CAD/3D Printing for grades 3rd-12th (minimum age: 9 years old for insurance purposes). Our programs are all non-government funded.
We have several programs you can choose from: Welding, Shop Class Classic, CAD / 3D Printing, and Open Shop Time! Kilroy’s also has Welding professional certifications for ages 16 and up.
We are continuing to build out this track to include industry certifications for various trades such as welding’s AWS (D1.1 3G). We also have future plans to add in carpentry, auto mechanics, glass blowing, etc. as well as apprentice opportunities over time.
Welder shortage: For every 5 welders retiring, there’s only 2 to fill their positions so the sky’s the limit in this career field!
Our learning experiences are ALL non-government funded.
Adaptability • PATIENCE • FOCUS • workING under pressure • COMMUNICATION •
Interpersonal • Independent thinking • Analytic Aptitude • Numeracy skills
Jr. Welding Development Program (COLORADO SPRINGS)
We’ve built a custom Jr. Welding Development Program for students ages 12-15 to explore the fields of welding through hands-on, skill-based, and real-life project work. Develop welding skills with a mindset toward professional welding. All gear provided (not to keep).
Our welding development program includes skill-based Jr. Welder Academy sessions and real-life Project Sessions (based on recently completed skill-based session).
6-Week Jr. Welder Academies: These skill-based academies can be used as preparation for pro academy that has AWS certifications for MIG, STICK, Flux Core & TIG (D1.1 3G) which is for ages 16+. Cost: $710 per student per 6-Week Session. This is a non-government funded program.
6-Week Project Sessions: These real-life project work sessions include building practical projects, individually and in small teams. Time to practice recent welding skills learned! Cost: $468 per student per 6-Week Session. This is a non-government funded program.
Program Options to Choose From:
Jr. Welder Academy (6 Week Sessions Each)
MIG/GMAW Academy (Prerequisite: None. No experience needed.)
STICK Academy (Prerequisite: MIG/GMAW Academy)
FCAW/Flux Core Academy (Prerequisite: MIG/GMAW Academy)
Welding Project Sessions (6 Weeks Each)
MIG/GMAW Project Session (Prerequisite: MIG/GMAW Academy)
STICK Project Session (Prerequisite: STICK Academy)
FCAW/Flux Core Project Session (Prerequisite: FCAW/Flux Core Academy)
Age Range: 12-15 years old
Dates & Times: Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Fall 2024: August 27 | September 17 | October 1 | October 22 | November 5 | November 19
Spring 2025: January 14 | January 28 | February 11 | March 4 | March 25 | April 8
Cost Per 6-Week Session:
Jr. Welder Academy: $710 per student
Welding Project: $468 per student
Location: Kilroy’s Workshop in Colorado Springs
Drop-Off (Yes/No): Yes. Parents are welcome to stay onsite as well.
Program: This development program runs each semester and year over year.
Registration*:
Registration for Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 opens on June 1st for Members and August 1st for Non-Members.
*Registration always opens first for Members and then to the public if have spots left.
Shop Class Classic Development Program (COLORADO SPRINGS)
Description: The classic! Students choose their own projects and areas of interest, such as blacksmithing and welding and receive personalized instruction to reach their goals. Areas of interest include: Blacksmithing / Bladesmithing, Welding, Casting, Jewelry, and CAD/3D Printing.
This is a non-government funded program.
Grades: 3rd-12th grade (minimum age: 9 years old for insurance purposes)
Dates & Times: Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Fall 2024: August 27 | September 17 | October 1 | October 22 | November 5 | November 19
Spring 2025: January 14 | January 28 | February 11 | March 4 | March 25 | April 8
Cost Per 6-Week Session: $468 per student
Location: Kilroy’s Workshop in Colorado Springs
Grades: 3rd-12th grade (minimum age: 9 years old for insurance purposes)
Drop-Off (Yes/No): Yes. Parents are welcome to stay onsite as well.
Program: This development program runs each semester and year over year.
Registration*:
Registration for Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 opens on June 1st for Members and August 1st for Non-Members.
CAD / 3D Printing Development Program (Colorado Springs)
Description: Explore the CAD / 3D printing world through hands-on, skill-based, and real-life project work. Dive into TinkerCAD and Fusion as you progress through this program. Develop creative tech design skills that lead to professional certifications. All equipment provided.
This is a non-government funded program.
6 Week Sessions Available:
Intro to CAD Sessions
3D Printing Sessions
Intermediate CAD Sessions
Grades: 3rd-12th grade (minimum age: 9 years old for insurance purposes)
Dates & Times: Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Fall 2024: August 27 | September 17 | October 1 | October 22 | November 5 | November 19
Spring 2025: January 14 | January 28 | February 11 | March 4 | March 25 | April 8
Cost Per 6-Week Session: $468 per student
Location: Kilroy’s Workshop in Colorado Springs
Drop-Off (Yes/No): Yes. Parents are welcome to stay onsite as well.
Program: This development program runs each semester and year over year.
Registration*:
Registration for Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 opens on June 1st for Members and August 1st for Non-Members.
OPen Shop Time Classes - Monthly (COLORADO SPRINGS)
Description: A la carte “Open Shop Time” feel where students choose simple / beginner projects with limited instructional support. Areas of interest include: Blacksmithing / Bladesmithing, Welding, Casting, Jewelry, and CAD/3D Printing. If time allows, sometimes student have time to make multiple projects!
This is a non-government funded program.
NOTES: Less instruction than the Shop Classic option. Also, parents can register for class with their student as well.
Grades: 3rd-12th grade (minimum age: 9 years old for insurance purposes)
Dates & Times: Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Fall 2024: August 27 | September 17 | October 1 | October 22 | November 5 | November 19
Spring 2025: January 14 | January 28 | February 11 | March 4 | March 25 | April 8
Cost Per Class: $78 per student
Location: Kilroy’s Workshop in Colorado Springs
Drop-Off (Yes/No): Yes. Parents are welcome to stay onsite as well.
Program: These classes run each semester and year over year.
Registration*:
Registration for Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 opens on June 1st for Members and August 1st for Non-Members.
*Registration always opens first for Members and then to the public if have spots left.
THEME-BASED FIELD TRIP SERIES
SHOP & TRADES SERIES
Description: For Colorado homeschool families that want to incorporate shop and trades skill building into their curriculum.
Through real-life learning experiences, students will see first hand what it’s like to work in the trades such as construction, welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics, etc. We will go behind the scenes and even have the opportunity to ask tradesmen questions for inspiration!
Dates: Offered throughout the year, timing will vary based on availability for each tour.
Cost: Free for Members on some. Others will vary based on field trip fees, if applicable.
Registration*:
Rolling registration as we get them scheduled.
*Registration always opens first for Members and then to the public if have spots left.
become a member: Enroll here
As an “a la carte” resource center, giving you ultimate flexibility when building your homeschool, True North Homeschool™ fits well with an umbrella school and other existing enrichment and coop options. Enrolling with True North Homeschool™ is like a monthly membership / subscription that gives your family full and priority access to all of our learning opportunities! We have limited spots available for our classes and events, so enrolling with us increases your chances of getting the exact dates and times your family prefers.
Become a Member*:
Get FULL ACCESS to all of the Core Services that True North Homeschool™ provides
Get ACCESS to our Membership Area where you can easily access our discounted, free, members only learning experiences, etc.
Receive FIRST PRIORITY for every learning opportunity available (educational tracks, field trips**, co-schooling space, etc.) that you will be able to pick and choose, designing your “True North” Homeschool
Receive FIRST PRIORITY for parent events, workshops, family holiday celebrations throughout the year, and end of year celebrations
Get ACCESS to our new online, self-paced job search and career coaching program for homeschool parents
Get HSLDA DISCOUNT ($15 OFF) on annual membership
Get MORE CONNECTED to our close knit True North Community (families across Colorado) who are all on this exciting homeschooling journey together
* Cancel anytime.
** These are separate from the Adventure Pass options
For only $4.99 per month per family:
