CCCTC Students Choose Their Paths on Signing Day

LISBON, Ohio – Ethan Davis came to the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center to study in the construction technologies class, wanting to learn framing and learning how to do floor plans, but he has learned the basics of masonry, framing, plumbing and electric work.

Through a work placement program, Davis has already gained some experience with Sam Pitzullo Homes and Remodeling. Davis had an interview with Justin Rance, the business representative for Carpenters Union Local 171, and knew Rance was very interested in him coming through the apprenticeship program.

“I’ll be doing a lot more framing and finish work, and that’s what I want to do the rest of my life,” Davis said. His family members have had carpenters, farmers, machining and welding backgrounds.

He considered going to college for architecture, but once he came to the CCCTC program, he learned he could get a free ticket into the union, do what he enjoys and not have the stress of student debt.

Rance said they have a career connections agreement with the CCCTC, where students who pass a state accredited curriculum get direct access into the apprenticeship program. Rance said he frequently visits and lets the students know about their four-year apprenticeship program, which is paid entirely through their union dues. Students go through 17 classes, gaining skills in a variety of areas, making them even more employable.

“We’re looking for the students who are most enthusiastic and show interest in this type of work,” Rance said. “Ethan’s already doing that type of work, so he’s just going to transition right into the carpenters union, and he’s going to have a leg up on a lot of other people and have success in this career.”

Chris Schreffler, Davis’ instructor, spent 21 years as a union carpenter himself, but he still tries to give students a well-rounded education in skilled trades. He also reminds the students they will have other options down the road, including going back to school, being with the union or even teaching others.

With the goal of seeing more students enrolled, enlisted or employed when they leave the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, Thursday was Signing Day for more than 40 soon-to-be high school graduates.

Precision manufacturing machining student Colton Hickman decided to be both enlisted and employed. Hickman already has been working at Hall Industries as a student through a work program and intends to serve in the Army Reserves, as well.

“I enjoy going to sleep every night safe, and I think everyone should have that opportunity,” Hickman said of his decision to go into the military, which he said is something he will be a part of for the rest of his life.

Hickman plans to use his machinist and industry skills in the military.

Bayllee Dasher also plans to enlist. She is following her family tradition of serving in the military, which she said on her father’s side goes back to the Revolutionary War. Dasher said serving has been a decision she made when she was 10 years old. Both of her grandfathers served, her mother is an Army sergeant and her father serves in the Marines, which is the service she chose as well.

Dasher is in the automotive technology program at the CCCTC and plans to specialize in diesel techs in the Marines.

Going into the same industry as their families also was the intention of two Beaver Local students studying welding at the CCCTC. Kaydon Bobby and Dylan Ferguson both said they have family members who already work for Stevens Engineering, and that is where they committed to go as well, also through Carpenters Union Local 171. Ferguson said he likes variety and hopes to be able to do a lot of different things.

Jerry Anderson, the general superintendent at Stevens Engineering, proved it is not unusual for family members to help bring other family members to work for the company. Anderson’s father, both of his brothers, his son and nephew all worked for the company. Building industrial projects like steel mills and power plants, the company is headquartered in Cleveland, but Anderson and the crew he leads works mainly out of a Canonsburg, Pa., office.

“They don’t know what they’re getting into yet, but none of us did,” said Anderson, a CCCTC graduate himself.

Many students also were signing up to attend college, with a long list planning to attend Kent State University and some heading to Eastern Gateway Community College. Onya Gishbaugher and Ava Patrone have been conditionally accepted to attend Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., although both are planning to start attending online, once they are accepted in their respective programs.

Both have studied interactive media with CCCTC instructor Bill Oesch, with ambitions of studying game art and computer animation. Besides being less expensive, doing their classes online will allow them to possibly work while attending school.

Pictured at top: Front from left, Justin Rance, business representative with the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, Carpenters Local Union 171; student Ethan Davis; and Chris Schreffler, construction technology instructor. Back from left, CCCTC Principal Jordan G. Williams; Michelle Fitzsimmons, CCCTC student services coordinator; and CCCTC Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Corbisello.

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