At least 75 school counselors and teachers from the Mahoning Valley are now better equipped to guide students toward meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

They attended a presentation on March 28 at the Ironworkers Local 207 JAC Training Center in Boardman. It was hosted by The Builders Association, Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades and Western Reserve Building Trades.

“This is the kind of information counselors need to help students see what’s possible,” said Gary Hartman, association services director for The Builders Association. “It’s not just a job. This can be a career. This can be a future.”

The pathways and the payoff

Counselors learned about the selection process for apprenticeships, application procedures and entrance requirements.

Hartman emphasized that each trade operates a little differently. Some programs rely on ranked selection processes, others use “intent to hire” models, and some offer direct entry through pre-apprenticeship initiatives.

“There’s no big secret to getting into the trades anymore,” Hartman said. “The myth that you need to know someone or have a family connection is gone. If you’re capable and committed, the opportunity is there.”

He also highlighted resources like The Builders, Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades and Western Reserve Building Trades websites. They’re designed as one-stop shops for students and educators to explore apprenticeships, watch trade-specific videos and even apply online.

Hartman said earning while learning sets apprenticeship programs apart from other post-secondary paths.

“One of our recent cement mason apprentices paid cash for his first house after graduation,” he said. “He lived at home during his apprenticeship, worked hard and started his adult life debt-free. That’s the power of the trades.”

From the classroom to the real world

Maplewood High School counselor Stacey Best attended the training. While her district currently offers a woodshop program, she’s hoping for something more robust in the future.

“We want to keep our kids with us and give them more opportunities at school,” Best said. “A lot of students interested in the trades end up going to TCTC.”

After the presentation, counselors toured the Ironworkers’ training facility. Apprentices demonstrated the tools they use and even showcased how they climb a structural beam.

A couple of adventurous educators tried it for themselves, including Tina Bollinger, a math and Career Connections pre-apprenticeship teacher at Beaver Local. She successfully inched her way up part of the beam while others cheered her on.

The trades need champions

Rick Green, the apprentice coordinator for Ironworkers Local 207, said events like this make a big impact.

“This was a huge opportunity,” Green said. “It’s one thing to hear about the trades, but to walk through the facility, talk to apprentices and see the training firsthand, it changes your perspective. That’s how we get the word out.”

As younger generations weigh their post-graduation paths, events like this are crucial in spotlighting skilled trades as viable, rewarding career options.

“This is how you build a future—one student, one skill, one opportunity at a time,” Hartman said.

For more information about apprenticeships or career pathways, contact Gary Hartman.

The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania hits the target with a clay shooting competition to raise money for pre-apprentice programs, scholarships and education costs.

More than 70 participants from the building trades broke into foursomes for the first annual Bustin’ Clays with the Builders on October 24 at the Lawrence County Sportsman’s Club.

The fundraiser directly impacts the next generation of skilled workers, helping students enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs move closer to their career goals.

“This event is all about generating money for our workforce development efforts with the pre-apprenticeship programs,” said Kevin Reilly, executive vice president of The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. “We’re doing everything we can to give these students a great start—providing tools, boots, and other essentials they need to move from education to skilled trades.”

Targeting the Next Generation

The Builders Association has long been a champion of workforce development in the region, particularly through its pre-apprenticeship programs. They serve high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the trades, giving them the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

There are 21 area schools with pre-apprenticeship programs – reaching about 700 students annually. These students learn the ins and outs of various trades and gain hands-on experience through projects that are judged by industry professionals.

“We want these kids to have a clear path from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship, and then into a full-fledged trade career,” Reilly said.

The event also supports a springtime pre-apprentice competition, where students showcase their skills in a judged contest. Top performers and their schools are awarded tools, further enhancing their readiness to join the workforce.

“It’s about giving them what they need, and Bustin’ Clays with the Builders is a big part of making that happen.”

Reilly applauded the sponsors who stepped up to make the event a success. Western Reserve Building Trades served as the partner sponsor, and Bodine and Company was the shotgun shell sponsor.

Walking Away with the Winnings

While the scores were being tallied, participants enjoyed lunch provided by Woody’s BBQ food truck. Prizes were awarded to the best shooters for high overall score, high overall team and sixth place winner.

 

There were also plenty of raffle prizes ranging from a new shotgun, insulated cooler and thousands of dollars’ worth of high-end tools – donated by Power Tool and Supply.

A side competition called the “impossible shot” allowed participants to pay for a chance to make a nearly impossible shot for a prize. Two people had the same score, so a tiebreaker shootout later declared the winner.

Taking Another Shot

Response to the inaugural Bustin’ Clays with the Builders has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We were really happy with the turnout and the support from our sponsors,” Reilly said. “We’re definitely planning to do this again next year. It was a great way to bring everyone together while also supporting such an important cause.”

As the region continues to experience growth and demand for skilled workers, events like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow has the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.

“It’s about helping these kids build their future. We’re just giving them the tools to get started.”

For information about The Builders Association’s pre-apprenticeship programs, or apprenticeship opportunities, email Gary Hartman or call 330-539-6050.

Exterior of Boak & Sons Contractors.

In 1974, Sam Boak was able to borrow enough money through his father’s steel workers’ credit union to start an insulation business with two employees.  From those humble beginnings, Boak & Sons has grown into one of the region’s most successful and well-known commercial and residential roofing contractors.

Read more

TEMA Roofing Services

Founded in 2015, TEMA Roofing Services may not be the oldest roofing company in the Youngstown area, but behind its name lies decades of experience in the roofing industry.  Read more

Adolph Johnson & Son Co.

In the second half of the 19th century, Sweden–like many nations–was experiencing a dramatic economic and societal transformation. Between 1850 and 1910, a million Swedes emigrated to the United States. One of them was a young Adolph Johnson who, in 1900, decided it was time to leave his homeland in search of better opportunities.  Read more

Stevens Masonry

Stevens Masonry team members (left to right): Jakob Seman, John Decampli, Brian Forrester, Jeananne Stevens, Dylan Stevens, Edwin Stevens

Construction trades run deep in the Stevens family tree. In 1938 George W. Stevens founded George W. Stevens Construction, which operated primarily as a general contracting and masonry company. His sons, George C. Stevens and Edwin C. Stevens, assisted in running and expanding the business. George C. Stevens founded George C. Stevens Construction Company. Edwin C. Stevens helped both his father and brother grow their businesses and Edwin also founded Ed Stevens American Olean Tile Sales and Installation Company. Read more

Diamond Steel Equipment

With a rich history stretching back nearly a century, few companies in the Mahoning Valley can claim to have been involved in as many of the region’s structures as Diamond Steel Construction.

Read more

excavator & hard hats

Visit the DeSalvo Construction Company website, and you’ll notice their tagline prominently displayed; “The Experience To Face Any Project Head-On.” No statement could be more true when describing the company’s extensive construction background and stellar reputation. Read more