Utica Shale Academy students and staff spent the day exploring real-world career pathways during a field trip on Jan. 14. The excursion included the Youngstown State University Excellence Training Center for a guided tour and students learned about innovative training opportunities and post-secondary options. From there, they headed to the UA Local 396 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in Boardman for an in-depth, hands-on tour where they gained insight into skilled trades, apprenticeships, and career opportunities in the industry. (Above) Union Training Coordinator Rick Boyarko shows John and Alex Ketchum how to seal pipes at the Boardman facility. (Right) Clinton Greaver is with a union apprentice teaching him welding techniques at the Boardman facility. (Submitted photos)
