ACT Ohio and BAC Local 23 Hold Training Event for School Counselors

During this two-day event, more than 100 school counselors from across Northern Ohio participated in a specialized training hosted by ACT Ohio and the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 23. The program helped counselors gain a deeper understanding of registered apprenticeship programs and how they provide students with debt-free, high-skill career pathways in the construction industry.

The event was held at the Northern Ohio Regional Training Center in Amherst, where attendees toured the state-of-the-art facility, observed live masonry and masonry restoration demonstrations, and even took part in hands-on activities alongside instructors and apprentices.

“This event gives counselors a real appreciation for the professionalism and technical expertise today’s apprentices develop,” said Kitty McConnell, a representative from ACT Ohio. “It’s about showing them that apprenticeship programs are not a second option — they’re a first-class career path for students who want to earn while they learn.”

This event also fulfills a state requirement for counselor professional development. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3319.2213, guidance counselors serving grades 7–12 must complete a four-hour training on building and construction trades apprenticeships every five years as part of their license renewal. The training—offered at no cost—must be conducted through a Joint Labor-Management Apprenticeship Training Center (JATC) and provides information on pay, benefits, and job opportunities in the skilled trades.

While this specific mandate focuses on the construction sector, Ohio law also encourages broader career exploration and workforce awareness through programs like the Career Awareness and Exploration Funds, established under House Bill 110, which help schools expand students’ understanding of diverse career pathways.

By attending the Amherst session, counselors not only met state professional development requirements but also gained firsthand insight into how BAC Local 23’s apprenticeship model blends classroom learning, on-the-job training, and competitive wages to prepare students for lifelong success.

“In many schools, students hear about college every day, but not enough about careers in the trades,” said Brian Greynolds, BAC Local 23 Training Director. “By inviting counselors here, we’re helping them see what modern apprenticeship training really looks like — and how rewarding it can be.”

The training is part of ACT Ohio’s ongoing initiative to connect educators, workforce leaders, and industry partners in strengthening Ohio’s future workforce. By equipping counselors with accurate, up-to-date information on apprenticeship programs, ACT Ohio and BAC Local 23 are ensuring that every student in Ohio learns about all paths to success — college, career, or construction.

Robert Frederick working for Grae-Con Construction in Parkersburg West Virginia