Homeschool Educational Track:
Shop & Trades
ABOUT Shop & Trades TRACK
We partner with Kilroy’s Workshop to bring our community access to Shop & Trade skills such as Welding, Blacksmithing / Bladesmithing, Casting, and Jewelry Making for grades 3rd-12th (minimum age: 9 years old for insurance purposes).
We have several programs you can choose from: Welding, Shop Class Classic 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.
Join our online Colorado Vocational & Trades Homeschoolers community as well!
Adaptability • PATIENCE • FOCUS • workING under pressure • COMMUNICATION •
Interpersonal • Independent thinking • Analytic Aptitude • Numeracy skills
Jr. Welding Development Program (Monument)
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: TBD 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: TBD 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: Thursdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Fall 2025: August 21 | September 11 | September 25 | October 9 | October 23 | November 6 | November 20 (make up day)
Spring 2026: TBD
Cost Per 6-Week Session:
Jr. Welder Academy: TBD per student
Welding Project: TBD per student
Location: Kilroy’s Workshop in Monument **NEW**
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 2025 & Spring 2026 opens this summer 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, and Jewelry.
This is a non-government funded program.
Grades: 3rd-12th grade (minimum age: 9 years old for insurance purposes)
Dates & Times: Thursdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Fall 2025: August 21 | September 11 | September 25 | October 9 | October 23 | November 6 | November 20 (make up day)
Spring 2026: TBD
Cost Per 6-Week Session: TBD 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 2025 & Spring 2026 opens this summer 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, and Jewelry. 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: Thursdays from 9:00am-12:00pm
Fall 2025: August 21 | September 11 | September 25 | October 9 | October 23 | November 6 | November 20 (make up day)
Spring 2026: TBD
Cost Per Class: $84 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 2025 & Spring 2026 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!
Join our online Colorado Vocational & Trades Homeschoolers community as well!
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.
2025-2026 Program: Running September - April on various days throughout the school year.
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**, etc.) that you will be able to pick and choose, designing your “True North” Homeschool
SAVE MORE MONEY through our new Discount Program (air travel, lodging, car rental entertainment, shopping, etc.) - launching this summer
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:
