PENDLETON — Middle school is a time when children start to figure out their interests. Students in Pendleton got to try out construction, learning how to work with their hands.

The Madison County Builders Association sponsored Trades Day at Pendleton Heights Middle School on Friday. The students, under the guidance of industry professionals, performed tasks such as assembling a table or settling concrete.

It is the second time Trades Day has come to Pendleton, but it is especially significant now because of changes to Indiana's education system made in the Statehouse this year.
"They're deciding if they're taking the college pathway or the career pathway, and that is decided by February of 8th grade," said Karen Shreves of the Madison County Builders Association.

Shreves said they are planning to expand Trades Day to more schools next year because of the newfound relevance of trades careers in K-12 education.
"By allowing the children the opportunity, the trades become less alien to them," Shreves said.

The projects made by Pendleton Heights Middle School students during Trades Day will remain on display at the school.
-
Colts beat Chargers 38-24 for sixth win, snap five-game skid in Los Angeles
Daniel Jones threw for 288 yards and two scores, Jonathan Taylor had his third three-touchdown game of the season and the Colts beat the Chargers 38-24 on Sunday for their NFL-leading sixth win.Man arrested in connection with deadly shooting on Indianapolis' far east side
A person was found shot to death Sunday evening on Indianapolis' far east side, according to police.Indiana rises to No. 2 in AP Top 25 as poll sees major overhaul
No. 2 Indiana pulled away from Michigan State, improved its program-record ranking by one spot and got the other six first-place votes.Woman dies after being struck by vehicle on Shelby Street
A woman died early Sunday morning after being struck by a vehicle on the south side of Indianapolis.