Last week from Sep. 16 – 18, the next generation of bricklayers and tile setters showed up for the Sixth Annual Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo, hosted by Local 23’s Brian Collier, Field Representative and Vice Chair.

Over 6,500 students from grades 7 – 12, attended the event where they learned the ins and outs of bricklaying and tile setting with great trainings and competitions led by Local 23 staff members and volunteers.

The students arrived at the Canfield Fairgrounds to meet with professionals in the skilled trades and learn more about apprenticeship and career opportunities available after graduation, including the opportunity to learn about the trades in a hands-on setting from some of the most knowledgeable individuals in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

“Our Sixth Annual Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo was a great success! We are pleased to announce that we had a record turnout of over 6,500 students this year. We also doubled our first day attendance record, with 2,500 7th and 8th graders,” said Brian Collier, Field Representative and Vice Chair for BAC Local 23.

“I’d like to thank the owner of Youngstown Tile & Terrazzo, Josh Cohol, and employees Dave Ratliff and J. Walton, and Job Superintendent Todd Yallech of Lencyk Masonry and retirees Rickey Bell, Lee Kurtz and John Olson for assisting us with the hands on portion, and Lencyk Masonry and Youngstown Tile & Terrazzo for donating supplies and time. Their support helped us make this the most successful Expo yet,” Collier said.

Also in attendance was a long list of Local 23 staff who helped organize the event and participated in the hands-on portions of the day. Thank you to Tom Dieringer, Drew Fernandez, Mike Soltis, Joshua Moss, Nicole Ohmer, John Brassow and Joe Harrison for helping last week!

You’ve seen the video recap of Cedar Point, but have you had the chance to watch the recap of the Local 23 Coaster Day at King’s Island? Click the image to check it out!

Asher Bice and Dave Reader working for Grae-Con at the Parkersburg Recreational Center.