CCESC to provide hands-on career exploration at the 7th Annual Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo

LISBON -- The Columbiana County Educational Service Center (CCESC) is partnering in the 7th Annual Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo.

Dennis Dunham, director of teaching and learning for the CCESC, said during the August board meeting that the event scheduled for Sept. 22-24 at the Canfield Fairgrounds will provide hands-on career exploration opportunities for students in grades 7-12.

According to minutes of the board meeting available online, Dunham said that specifically the expo is focused on careers in the skilled construction trades.

He added that students will also have the opportunity to participate in a pre-apprentice skills competition where they can demonstrate their skills and compete for prizes.

Dunham also said during the meeting that the annual kids STEAM University is scheduled for Sept. 12 at Kent State University from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on STEAM activities and complete different challenges.

Organizations and community members are being invited to provide activities or host stations, according to the meeting minutes.

Dunham also announced that construction work has begun at the Opportunity Center.

"We appreciate the staff's patience and flexibility," he said.

In other matters, the board approved several resignations -- the majority of which were for paraeducator positions -- and the hiring of several more people for paraeducator positions; as well as filling several certified positions.

The next meeting was set for 4 p.m. Sept. 15.