On Wednesday, April 22nd, 50 local counselors, educators, and others who mentor youth attended the 2015 Breakfast and Expo, which was hosted by the MV Building Trades Apprenticeship Group. The purpose of the event is to inform that the construction industry offers young adults a viable career path through apprenticeship training.
After all were served breakfast, Patrick Reardon, ODJFS and OSAC, was the keynote speaker who presented an overview of Ohio’s Registered Apprenticeship System. Following two recent graduates of Apprenticeship Programs spoke of their career journeys, including: Matt Elkins, Sheet Metal Worker, who is now working in the field and committed as a Program Instructor; and Travis Journey, who attended a year of college before opting for Construction Craft Laborers Apprenticeship training. After a short career working with his tools, Travis was recruited as a Regional Coordinator for the Ohio Laborers Training and Apprenticeship. The presentations wrapped up with six local apprenticeship program coordinators answering questions in a roundtable format. Randy Fox, Executive Director of the AGC, West Central Ohio Division, served as the Breakfast and Expo Emcee.
As the Counselors and Educators left, they were able to ask questions and collect program information of the various apprenticeship training programs set-up as exhibitors. Overall, the 2015 Breakfast and Expo was deemed a success as many of those in attendance expressed their appreciation of the event and the valuable information received to extend to students and fellow educators.
Travis Journey, OH Laborers JATC
Counselors/Educators at the 2015 Breakfast and Expo
The Coordinators’ Roundtable