City business partners tout trade careers
The city of Dayton, Dayton Public Schools, local labor unions and manufacturers are collaborating to promote apprenticeship and career opportunities in skilled trades and manufacturing.
The participating organizations held an apprenticeship information day Aug. 9 at the IBEW Local 82 conference center, with a goal of equipping ninth-grade educators in Dayton Public Schools with information to help guide interested students into careers in construction and manufacturing.
Evidence shows that ninth grade is a critical year for students in shaping their long-term success in education and careers.
“We’re focused on partnering with teachers who are interested in identifying possible future journeymen/women and providing these educators the tools needed to prepare students for a successful career in the building trades,” said A. Eugene Frazier II, regional apprenticeship training director with the Sheet Metal Workers Local 24.
Apprentices earn wage and benefits for hours spent training on the job and typically receive college credits for classroom instruction. In three to five years, depending on program requirements, the graduate receives a nationally recognized journeyman card.
Earlier this year, Mayor Nan Whaley and Commissioner Christopher Shaw organized a Workforce Pipeline Committee to collaborate and highlight job opportunities.
“Dayton Public Schools has worked closely in partnering in this effort and this information day is just the first step in highlighting these opportunities to educators,” Shaw said. “We’re excited to engage the different players so we can continue to build readiness for the great jobs that are and will be available in our community.”
In addition to apprenticeship information day, the Workforce Pipeline Committee has worked to better coordinate regional apprenticeship recruitment by connecting people and groups already working in related areas.
Dayton Public Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said the district is excited to be a part of the workforce development project.
“The opportunity for students to be exposed to a variety of career options during and after high school is a necessity today,” Lolli said.
“With help from the city of Dayton, Mayor Whaley, Commissioner Shaw and various representatives from unions and other DPS partners, apprenticeship information day helps teachers learn about opportunities available for students,” Lolli said.
“With this new information about current workforce needs and requirements, DPS teachers can offer students ideas and suggestions for potential career choices,” she said.
“We know how important partnerships are in making sure our city thrives,” Whaley said. “That’s why I am so pleased that Dayton Public Schools, organized labor, and the city of Dayton are working together to highlight in-demand career pathways for our young people.”