Expo attunes students to trades in real-time

There’s evidence of a renewed interest in skilled trades careers across the Mahoning Valley. More opportunities are being offered to students at schools, and career centers are seeing record attendance levels.

The 2024 Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo was the best attended in the event’s five-year history, according to The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. All the building trades came together to offer hands-on experiences for students so they could explore various career options.

Impressionable interactions

Educators believe it’s those interactions that help bring the trades to life.

“It’s different to see what people do versus just telling kids about the jobs,” said Rick Fawcett, career specialist, Crestview Local Schools. “Workers are able to be open and honest with our kids about what’s good, and what’s tough about the job, wages, those types of things.”

Fawcett notices a clear shift in the mindset about a career and technical education.

“This is my third year at Crestview. In my first two years, at least one of our valedictorians has been a career center student.”

Fawcett said Crestview has a manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program. Students can earn an industry-recognized credential – which also counts toward graduation requirements.

Creating skills for life

Dylan Hovanek, a senior at Jackson-Milton, has been working with his hands for as long as he can remember. He’s in the woodshop class – and part of the district’s pre-apprenticeship program.

“I’ve been doing remodeling with my dad for years. I’d work with him any time school was out and in the summers. I was even doing other projects on my own time.”

Hovanek also participated in one of the pre-apprentice competitions at the MVST Expo. He currently helps with maintenance projects at Jackson-Milton and is an Eagle Scout.

Although he’s not planning on going into the trades after high school, what he’s learned over the years is still beneficial.

“I can take these skills with me anywhere. When something needs done, I won’t have to pay someone else to do it,” he said.

Planting the seed

The expo can be a launchpad for some students. It allows them to see all the opportunities in the trades – even if it’s too early for them to decide on a pathway.

“A lot of 9^th and 10^th graders will end up going to the career center, and this is a good kickoff to what it will be,” said Mike Lopuchovsky, STEM lab instructor/robotics, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center/Valley STEM.

Andy Vlajkovich teaches social studies/government at MCCTC/Valley STEM. He says even though he doesn’t teach the STEM curriculum, he wants to steer students in the right direction.

“I talk about the trades all the time because I know there’s a shortage of workers and skilled laborers in this country,” he said.

The local building trades are always eager to hire. To explore all careers and apprenticeships available, or for questions, click here.