The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Expo connects JVS students with employers
Event showcases trades, career opportunities
The Lorain County JVS Building Trades Academy recently hosted a Career Expo for local ninth- and 10th-grade students, to showcase the trades as well as the numerous career options that could be available to them.
The expo exposed JVS students to new technology, companies, and equipment they may not get a chance to experience otherwise in the areas of carpentry, heating and air conditioning, electrical, masonry, and welding.
Emily Penner, JVS career explorations 10th-grader from North Ridgeville, is planning on entering the JVS masonry trades program next year and thought the expo was a cool experience.
“It was great being able to talk to numerous companies and see what options could be available to me once I graduate in a few years,” she said.
The local businesses shared information about their particular trades and also provided interactive activities for the students.
Kelly Suman, Technical Sales Engineer with Lincoln Electric, brought the Vertex 360 Virtual Welder to the expo for the students to test out.
“This is a tool that we use to help save on consumables and material cost, and help get the students interested in welding get comfortable with it before they go into a booth and actually weld for the first time,” Suman said.
Jerry VanSickle, JVS carpentry senior from North Ridgeville, liked the variation of vendors at the expo.
“Getting to try out a variety of tools and machinery was really cool. I learned a lot today,” said VanSickle, who plans to join the union as a millwright after he graduates.
President of Lang Masonry & Restoration Contractors, James Hoskinson, was presented with a plaque for being a gold sponsor at the event. Hoskinson stated why the JVS expo was set apart from other similar expos.
“Having this outdoors makes it so much more interactive with the students. This has been a very successful event,” he said.
JVS parents also attended the event and were impressed with the day’s activities.
“This expo is giving resources to these kids that they probably otherwise wouldn’t have,” said JVS parent Barbara Engelman. Her daughter Savannah is a junior in the JVS carpentry program.
“There are so many different people and companies here for these kids to make contact with. It is wonderful,” Engelman said.
“Coming to the JVS is one of the best decisions my daughter Savannah has made, and I couldn’t be more proud.”