Edgerton Explorit Center Launches Trade Sciences Program, Invites Nebraska Schools to Schedule Free Labs and Demos
Today, Edgerton Explorit Center; Central Community College; and 6 Regions, One Nebraska announced the launch of Trades on the Move through the Ken Wortman Trades Sciences Program. The mobile educational program combines science, engineering, problem-solving, and career exploration to introduce students to the skilled trades. The program’s engaging, hands-on exhibits are targeted to students in grades 3-8. The exhibits are specially designed to introduce students to careers in construction and carpentry, the electrical trades, plumbing and pipefitting, HVAC and energy systems, automotive and diesel technology, manufacturing and robotics, and more.
Free trades education for Nebraska’s schools
At no cost, schools in Nebraska can schedule Trades on the Move to provide a live demonstration or hands-on learning lab. The Ken Wortman Trade Sciences Program was created through the generous support of numerous partners. Central Community College is providing a $300,000 donation, spread over three years. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development—through its 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative—provided a $65,000 grant for the program, made possible through the generosity of the Sherwood Foundation. 6 Regions, One Nebraska’s Central Workforce Action Team also played a key role in casting vision for Trades on the Move and recruiting financial supporters. Other major donors to the Ken Wortman Trade Sciences Program include The Wortman Family Charitable Trust, Chief Industries Foundation, Dinsdale Family Foundation, the Association of General Contractors (Nebraska Chapter), RMV Construction, Hamilton Telecommunications, Phil Nelson, Klute Manufacturing, and BD Construction.
“Edgerton is thrilled to offer innovative, interactive opportunities for students in all 93 Nebraska counties to discover the trades,” said Mary Molliconi, Edgerton’s executive director. “Starting this fall, we’re excited to provide live demos and hands-on labs at no cost to schools. I welcome educators to sign up! Thank you to the generous donors who, in supporting this program, are investing in the success of our state’s students.”
Rave reviews for Edgerton’s experiential program
In June and July, Edgerton piloted Trades on the Move at 27 locations through its Summer Library Program, reaching 1,595 students. Survey results from participating locations demonstrated the program’s success in engaging students, expanding career awareness, and removing financial barriers for participating communities. Overall, the program received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100% of survey respondents affirming that they would definitely host or participate in it again.
“The Edgerton Explorit Center’s Ken Wortman Trades Science Program was a fantastic experience for our students at Jefferson Elementary School,” said Jamie London, principal with Norfolk Public Schools. “The hands-on labs, engaging demonstrations, and excellent staff kept students excited and actively involved in learning while introducing them to the many ways science connects to skilled trades careers.”
“The AirWorks Trades Science Demonstration gave our young patrons an exciting, hands-on opportunity to explore how science connects to careers in construction, manufacturing, and technology, said Carol Baker, youth services manager at Kilgore Memorial Library in York. “From experimenting with airflow and air pressure to trying on protective equipment, building freestanding paper towers, and experiencing the always-popular ping-pong ball cannon, students were engaged from beginning to end.”
Addressing workforce shortages in the trades
According to a dataset produced by Lightcast and Area Development, there are only four trained workers available for every 10 job openings in the trades. Nebraska is not immune to the challenge. Per a March 2026 publication from the Nebraska Department of Labor: “Employers in construction and skilled trades report some of the highest rates of hiring difficulty in the state…with strong growth projected [in these fields] through 2032. [In these] sectors, the gap between available workers and open positions represents one of the most pressing challenges for Nebraska's workforce system.”
Trades on the Move is responding directly to this need to inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Students begin gravitating toward careers long before they enter high school, have the opportunity to enroll in career academies, or even begin to consider college. The experiences they have early in their education profoundly impact their impressions of a career’s desirability. At this formative stage, opportunities to explore the trades can make a profound difference. Providing barrier-free access to explore the trades in elementary and middle school is of particular importance now. Students being engaged today will enter Nebraska’s workforce at the same time that skilled labor shortages are projected to intensify.
“The value of Edgerton’s trade science program is immense,” said Dr. Matt Gotschall, president of Central Community College. “Nebraska’s employers are generating amazing careers in the trades, and our colleges are well-positioned to train students for these opportunities. But our talent pipelines won’t flow unless students choose to go through them—students who’ve become excited about what they can build, make, and create in our state.”
“6 Regions, One Nebraska is proud to be a partner in launching Trades on the Move,” said Roberta Pinkerton, who leads special projects for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “We’re excited for students to experience the joy and wonder of doing science experiments, while gaining familiarity with careers in the trades.”
Scheduling a demo or lab
Educators can select from two programming options to bring Trades on the Move to their school at no cost.
Schools can also incorporate trade sciences programming into any of Edgerton Explorit Center’s other popular offerings, such as Edgerton on the Move, Science Discovery Days, or STEM Field Trips.
To learn more, or to schedule a program, visit: edgerton.org/tradesscience.
Exploring the Edgerton Center’s Home in Aurora
Additionally, Edgerton Explorit Center welcomes families to visit its home location at 208 16th Street in Aurora, Nebraska. Open seven days a week, the center features a collection of science-related activities, exhibits, and demonstrations. As part of the Ken Wortman Trade Sciences Program, youth can now construct and create inside a new addition that is dedicated to discovery of the trades. Interested in a visit to the Edgerton Center? Take a 3D tour to see what awaits!
About Edgerton Explorit Center
The Edgerton Explorit Center exists to instill and nurture in all people the joy of scientific discovery and exploration through hands-on learning experiences. Located in the hometown of its namesake, Dr. Harold Edgerton, the Edgerton Explorit Center inspires kids age 2 to 92 through exciting activities and state-of-the-art programming.
For more information about Edgerton Explorit Center, visit www.edgerton.org.
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