It’s rare for electricians from two NECA-IBEW contractors to be on expansion projects at the same location, but that’s the case for Boot Electric and Tri-Area Electric.
They’re respectively powering new buildings at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center that will prepare students for careers in healthcare, technology and skilled trades.
Wiring a new era
Tri-Area Electric is working at the $11.4 million, 39,000-square-foot expansion behind MCCTC’s main building, which will house programs in electricity, cybersecurity, welding, robotics and manufacturing.
The money came from $200 million in state funding that was allocated to 35 career and tech centers across Ohio.
Electricians started work in May 2025, and some of the progress has been surprising.
“We got a head start on the overhead conduit while the bricklayers were waiting on materials,” said Chris Bako, foreman, Tri-Area Electric. “That gave us the chance to knock out what we’d normally be doing in the winter, so it put us in a really good position.”
The team has also been installing specialized underground track systems for flexibility in classroom layouts.
“We’re fabricating on site to meet the specifications. It’s designed so MCCTC can adapt later, whether that’s for power, data or communications. It’s adaptable as the programs evolve.”
Electrical infrastructure includes a new transformer, switching cabinets and an 800-amp generator. Bako is pleased with how steadily the project has been moving.
“There really haven’t been any major issues, and we’re technically on schedule.”
The building’s unique spaces include a massive collaboration room designed with a hangar-style garage door, which could potentially be used for the school’s aviation program.
Connections that energize
Meanwhile, Boot Electric is in early stages of work at the construction of a $5 million health and wellness center. The 13,000-square-foot facility is visible from Palmyra Road, next to MCCTC.
It will provide training space for healthcare and skilled trades and expand access to medical and wellness services for students and the community. The center is being funded through the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Grant Program.
Electricians are in the process of extensive groundwork and planning.
“There’s roughly 3,000 feet of four-inch conduit already in place, running out to the road for the utility connection,” said Jack Corll, foreman, Boot Electric. “We’ve got a big generator that will sit in a fenced area, and all the transfer switches and transformer work is being laid.”
Even before the building’s walls are framed in, Corll and his team continue to make headway.
“It’s not common for us to be in this early, but that’s how this one lined up. We’ll get the big stuff out of the way and move onto equipment installation once the building is enclosed. From there, it’s about setting gear and finishing all the connections.”
He’s confident about staying on track and following the allotted timeline.
“It’s one of the bigger projects I’ve done for Boot, and it’s moving fast, but going well so far,” Corll said.
Electrifying opportunities
Both buildings are expected to be completed by late summer 2026.
According to Kenny Lucas, IBEW Local 64 president/organizer, these expansions are a point of pride.
“It shows exactly why our industry matters,” he said. “Electrical systems are the backbone of these buildings, from the power distribution to the technology and healthcare equipment that students will rely on. This work is being done by highly trained electricians who bring safety and long-term reliability to the job.”
For electricians, it’s also a chance to show how they power growth and opportunity.
“These are the types of projects you want to be part of,” Bako said. “They’ll impact students for years to come, and we’re playing a role in that.”
Boot Electric and Tri-Area Electric are members of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association consisting of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.