Expo growth points to positive trend

Attendance has been climbing over the years, but a record 5,900 students walked through the doors of the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo between September 17-19.

This was the fifth year for the expo – which was held at the Canfield Fairgrounds Event Center.

Younger generations continue to show an increasing interest in the skilled trades. Area career centers are full, and have waiting lists, and school districts are bringing in more opportunities for students.

“We realize not every kid that comes in the door is somebody that’s going to be interested in the trades, but if there’s one percent out of 5,000 kids that come, that’s still something that helps the trades,” said Gary Hartman, association services director, The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

Educators + trades = big impact

Hartman credits the collaboration with Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio, as well as the Columbiana County ESC and Trumbull County ESC, for the success of the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo and spreading awareness about careers in the trades.

“Without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

For the first expo in 2019, The Builders Association and the ESC of Eastern Ohio came together and pulled in 4,000 students in one day. That number far exceeded Hartman’s expectation of 500 students the first year.

Now, it’s not just students from the tri-county area participating. There are school districts from Ashtabula and Geauga counties, as well as Venango, Crawford and Butler counties in Western Pennsylvania.

“It’s probably the biggest expo across the state. There are some in the Akron area and Columbus, but it’s not a competition. Some of those areas modeled their events after ours. We all have the same issues in the workforce, so working together is best,” Hartman said.

Praise for pre-apprenticeship programs

The ESC of Eastern Ohio also helped implement and oversee pre-apprenticeship programs for at least 18 area school districts. They’re allowing students to earn industry recognized credential points and enter an apprenticeship right after graduation.

“They’re leaving high school with certifications. They’re getting exposure to construction, electricians, welders. We kind of give them a taste of everything,” said Sandy Furano, director of career counseling services, ESC of Eastern Ohio. “We’re not competing with the career centers, which are building homes and using very large machinery. We’re using hand tools and everyday things.”

Rising trend for skilled trades

Hartman believes the ESC’s push is driving the mindset shift from “college or nothing” to considering careers in the skilled trades.

“The age level on apprentice applications was 26-27. Now, it’s 18-20. We’re hearing feedback that they’re involved in a pre-apprenticeship program or went to the expo. It’s showing positive results.”

This year, a third day was added to give middle school students a better chance to experience the trades.

“We noticed these kids were standing back while the high school students were engaged in the activities. This time, they didn’t have that pressure,” Hartman said.

Middle school may be too early to decide on a career, but it’s critical to present the opportunities available.

“They’re getting exposure to all the trades. It might not be something that resonates with them until they’re a junior or senior, but it’s always about awareness,” he said.