Signing letter of intent for Lexington plumbing career puts KY student in spotlight

Jacob Bradley, a 2022 Central Ky. high school graduate, signed a letter of intent with a Lexington business in front of news reporters — much like an athlete would — to indicate he begins a full-time career as a plumber Tuesday.

Bradley’s signing ceremony at Montgomery County High School in Mount Sterling in mid-May led to a national article over the weekend on Inside Edition Digital in addition to statewide attention.

“I figured trades deserve more attention,” Bradley told the Herald-Leader. “You just have to be willing to work with your hands.”

“It’s about time some light has been shined on people going into the skilled trades,” said Ben Crum, vice-president of Lexington’s Fast Flow Plumbing where Bradley is working. “Most of the companies are willing to pay not only for your work as you earn the money but they are also willing to pay for your education once its time for you to get your license or pass a test.”

He said employees in the skilled trades generally won’t incur school debt and have the chance to be a business owner.

Bradley, 18, said he met Crum in March at a career day at his high school and began working part-time at Crum’s company while he finished the school year.

Bradley said he has started out making about $14 per hour with the potential to make $20 to $25 per hour.

Crum said he wanted to recruit high school seniors because they are eager to learn.

Bradley’s high school counselor Lacy Gross told the Herald-Leader’s reporting partner WKYT that the signing ceremonies have usually just been held for athletes, but she hopes that the skilled trade signings will continue.

Bradley, Crum said, is “a very intelligent kid. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”