Expo brings businesses, students together

Sixth annual career expo brings together area employers, students

Mentor High School’s gymnasium was filled with teenagers and buzzing with activity for a three-hour stretch on Oct. 4, but it had nothing to do with sports or physical fitness.

Instead, manufacturing was the name of the game.

About 600 students from 15 Lake County high schools converged on Mentor High’s gym and Paradigm center for the sixth annual Think Manufacturing Career Expo.

The expo aims to connect area manufacturing businesses seeking qualified employees with high school students who are exploring future career opportunities.

Nearly 40 manufacturers set up booths throughout the gym and talked about their personnel needs, as well as products and services, with interested students.

“This is our large workforce development initiative that helps educate students about careers in manufacturing and for (high school) seniors to consider available jobs here in Lake County,” said Karen Tercek, president and CEO of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, a co-sponsor of the event.

The Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber joined with the Eastern Lake County and Mentor Area chambers of commerce, along with the Alliance for Working Together Foundation, to present the expo.

The AWT Foundation works to promote the development of rewarding careers in manufacturing for the long-term success and growth of the local manufacturing community.

During the expo, the gym was lined with tables representing manufacturers such as Astro Manufacturing and Design, Lincoln Electric, Lubrizol and PCC Airfoils.

At the same time, the nearby Paradigm center hosted three expo workshops: job interviewing skills; presentations by young manufacturers and why they got into their particular industry; and how some of the participating manufacturers make their products.

Some of the new features at this year’s expo included increasing the number of workshops to three (only one was held last year during the event at Wickliffe High School), and a job table where students could review actual entry-level positions available at area manufacturing businesses.

For students who wanted to get a better sense of what it’s like to work at area manufacturing plants, company representatives were eager to share information.

Winter Equipment Co. of Willoughby was marking its third year of taking part in the expo.

“We’re always looking for good people coming up through the ranks and considering employment with us,” said Ken Marvar, the company’s director of sales and marketing.

He said the company does machining and welding as part of its process for manufacturing cutting edges and curb guards for snowplows, along with other snowplow accessories.

While technical training and education are beneficial for a person who wants a career in manufacturing, Winter Equipment Engineer Stephen Hostetler said a willingness to work hard is also important. Marvar, meanwhile, cited the need for prospective employees to come in with a good attitude.

TT Electronics of Perry Township, returned to the expo for a second straight year. Human Resources Manager Michelle Ufholz and HR Administrator Stephanie Mangus explained to students how TT Electronics manufactures custom circuit boards for companies based on their specific needs.

Ufholz said the expo is a good way for her company to get its name out among high school students who might be entering the workforce.

“We want to make sure we reach those kids and give them an avenue where they can go if they don’t want to go to college,” Ufholz said.

Brandon Davenport was among the high school students who checked out TT Electronics’ table during the event. He is a senior at Mentor High School, but also studies Computer Aided Design Engineering through the Lakeshore Compact at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland.

Brandon said he came to the expo hoping to find an internship for the program he’s taking at Lakeland, or maybe a full-time job for after graduation. He picked a number of job applications as he made his way through the gym.

“(The expo) is very helpful,” he said.

In addition to manufacturing companies, the expo also featured tables staffed by some of the event’s sponsors, including Lakeland Community College and Auburn Career Center in Concord Township.

BILL DEBUS — THE NEWS-HERALD Winter Equipment Co. Engineer Stephen Hostetler, left, discusses products manufactured by the Willoughby business with Madison High School freshman Anthony Kovacic. Winter Equipment was one of nearly 40 companies to staff booths during the sixth annual Think Manufacturing Career Expo, held Oct. 4 at Mentor High School. Anthony was among nearly 600 students who attended the event.