First Ever Skilled Trades Expo Scheduled for Fall

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — A new event will give students interested in the skilled trades an opportunity for hands-on experience and guidance for a direct pathway to a career.

Attendees of the inaugural Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo will get to speak with industry professionals about careers in the skilled trades and experience the skills necessary for the job, according to a release from Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. The event will feature interactive displays from the skilled trades and state-of-the-art construction equipment simulators, as well as prizes, giveaways and lunch.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 26 from 8:30 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds and is open to students in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, as well as Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania. It is the result of a partnership between the chamber, The Builder’s Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, Western Reserve Building Trades, Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull Educational Service Centers.

“Our industry leaders in the skilled trades have partnered to bring this impactful event to the Mahoning Valley,” says Gary Hartman, association services director at The Builder’s Association. “Students will have the opportunity to experience the industry firsthand by doing … not just seeing.”

Jessi Combs, metal fabricator by trade, author and television personality will keynote the event. The “fastest woman on four wheels” has demonstrated her skills to TV audiences and looks to “show more women, youth and men alike that they, too, can build their ideas, go fast, get dirty, have fun and still be true to themselves,” according to the release.

For more information, visit MVSkilledTrades.com, or call Hartman at 330 539 6050 for sponsorship opportunities.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.