Ten high school students from across the region have earned scholarships from the Builders Association, a nod to their dedication to the skilled trades.
They received gift cards totaling $600 for tools and boots and were recognized on April 29 at the association’s offices, where the results of the pre-apprenticeship Adirondack chair competition were also announced.
“You’re seeing more determined pathways now – students who are really taking full advantage of the resources available to them,” said Ken Reid, association services director, The Builders. “It’s good to see.”
Chris White, board president of The Builders and vice president of operations at Boak & Sons, told students and teachers the recognition was well-earned.
“This is a great accomplishment, and everybody in this room has taken note of it,” White said.
Currently, 19 to 20 school districts run building trades programs in the region, with participating students eligible to apply for scholarships.
“Students need to be in good standing and on track in the pre-apprenticeship, and they have to have a recommendation from their instructor,” said Rob Eggleston, career counseling coordinator at the ESC of Eastern Ohio.
“We identified the gift cards for tools and gear work well because they need good quality equipment, and this helps get them started,” Reid said.
Success by the numbers
Jim Fisher, skilled trades and welding instructor at Austintown Fitch High School, has seen the program’s impact firsthand.
“I love instructing my students and watching them grow and learn life skills. We’ve placed 83 students into the trades in four years, and this year it’s looking like another 25 have started the process,” Fisher said.
Austintown Fitch had seven students earn scholarships this year. Emily Barninger said the program opened doors she hadn’t expected.
“The trades program exposed us to a bit of each trade, providing future options. It’s given me a love and passion for working, and Mr. Fisher has helped me find a few career paths, including carpentry and heavy machinery,” Barninger said.
Classmate Julius Tofil said the hands-on experience set him on a clear path.
“The program gave me the opportunity to learn hands-on skills, confidence and the foundation to pursue a career in the trades,” Tofil said.
Award-winning chairs
In addition to the scholarships, students from nine area schools showcased their craftsmanship in the third annual pre-apprenticeship Adirondack chair competition.
They built chairs from a standard set of blueprints and were judged on precision and craftsmanship by five contractor members from The Builders.
There’s a category for individual entries and a school-based team submission. A prize was given for each place winner.
Will Franklin, the trades instructor at Springfield High School, said his class has grown to more than 30 students with a wide range of backgrounds and career interests.
“We teach reading a tape measure, using a saw, knowing how to work with your hands. It’s something that a lot of kids just don’t get anymore,” Franklin said.
Two of his students, Jackson Ensley and Tristan Hayes, were among the chair competition winners.
Ensley took third place in the individual category. He and Hayes also teamed up to claim first place for the school entry.
Ensley took the class on the advice of his grandfather – and said the experience has stuck with him.
“I think this is all really important. I’ve learned a lot, and I think it’s something everybody should do,” he said.
Some of the schools put their chairs up for auction, with proceeds going right back into the school’s pre-apprenticeship program.
Contact Ken Reid for questions about the pre-apprenticeship program or careers in the building trades.
