National Skilled Trades Day Encourages Kids to ‘Gear Up’

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — City Machine Technologies Inc. looks to raise awareness for skilled trades jobs among children with a new downloadable coloring book and worksheet projects.

The new “Gear Up!” coloring book and “My First Resume” worksheet are part of the company’s efforts to encourage kids to explore skilled trades jobs during the annual National Skilled Trades Day. This year, the nationally recognized day will be celebrated on May 5, according to a company release.

“Over a year into the pandemic, we have hopefully learned how critically important skilled trades are in our everyday life and why they should be celebrated,” says Claudia Kovach, vice president of City Machine Technologies. “Last year, we were challenged to cut our own hair. We experienced product shortages in stores. We were confined to our homes, waiting for packages to arrive at our doorstep. Barbers, hairdressers, truck drivers, and other workers are essential to our everyday lives. Often, we take these jobs for granted. Last year, we realized how very important they are.”

The company’s website also has other ideas on how schools, businesses and residents can celebrate National Skilled Trades Day, including a suggested reading list for students.

Since 2019, City Machine Technologies has hosted the event as a way to raise awareness of the benefits of skilled trades jobs in the United States, and to encourage individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades, which are currently facing a labor shortage. It’s observed annually on the first Wednesday in May. City Machine will be celebrating its own workforce with a socially distanced luncheon May 5.

In addition to raising awareness, the company asks everyone to celebrate those who work skilled trade jobs and kept the country moving during the coronavirus pandemic by using the social media hashtag #NationalSkilledTradesDay.

“Thank those truck drivers you see at the gas station for bringing you food. Thank those medical assistants who take your temperature on your way into a medical appointment. Thank the mechanic who repairs your car, so you can get to work,” Kovach says.

For more information on National Skilled Trades Day and ideas on how to celebrate skilled trades, as well as download the coloring books and worksheets, visit CMTCompanies.com/national-skilled-trades-day or contact Kovach at [email protected].

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.