LISBON — The Columbiana County Career and Technical Center (CCCTC) and the Columbiana County Educational Service Center Business Advisory Council (BAC) hosted their annual, newly titled “Explore Your Future” event on Tuesday, bringing together students, educators, businesses, and community leaders to showcase career opportunities across multiple industries.

This year, the event expanded its scope beyond manufacturing, offering sophomores from across the county a closer look at career pathways in trades, hospitality, and law enforcement as well. Participating sites included Hickey Metal and CTM Label in the Salem area; MAC Trailer and Stadium GM Superstore in Salem; the Ohio State Highway Patrol Lisbon Post and Hilltop Energy in Lisbon; and the Crestview Local Schools construction site and Best Western Dutch Haus Inn in Columbiana. The initiative was made possible with sponsorship from the office of Congressman Michael Rulli.

The morning began with remarks from several state leaders, including Congressman Michael Rulli, State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel, and Alex Hertzer, Executive Director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

CCCTC Superintendent Jeremy Corbisello encouraged students to approach the day with curiosity and openness. “Today is going to start to help you narrow in on your plans for your future,” he told students. “Some sites today may inspire you to think of doing something you never thought you would want to do.”

Rulli emphasized the importance of finding fulfillment in career choices. “You are at a pinnacle moment where career does matter. If you find something fun to do in a career, you’re actually enjoying life. Stay laser focused on what will make you happy,” he said. “A lot of different paths will lead you through different doors.”

Blasdel urged students to see the event as an opportunity for self-discovery. “When we say exploring your future, we don’t mean you have to choose your career today, but start thinking about what you want your life to be,” she said. She also noted that local employers are actively seeking new hires. After meeting with business owners across the county, she told students that “every single one is hiring,” encouraging them to think about where their own skills and passions might align.

Hertzer explained how MVMC works to connect people to careers in manufacturing. “Today is about seeing what is possible. You will see companies doing real things keeping our community moving,” he said. “These aren’t just jobs. These are careers. Today is about finding out what sparks you.”

At one of the hands-on sites, students toured Crestview Local Schools’ new facility construction project. Allen Unkefer of Hammond Construction explained how math and reading skills play a critical role in the work. “If you like math and reading, these are good professions for you,” he said, noting how contractors rely on those skills for pressure testing, structural analysis, measurements, and layouts.

Throughout the day, students gained exposure to a variety of industries, met professionals on the job, and heard firsthand how their interests could translate into meaningful career paths.