There’s a special place in Dan Santon’s heart for young people who give back to the community. And one Mahoning Valley organization doing just that is giving back to Santon in the form of gratitude for his support. The founder of Boo Squad, Heather Hrina Medvec, nominated Santon for the WYTV Hometown Hero award. He […]
A “small but mighty” chapter is making big waves yet again on the national scene. Jeff Barber, the executive vice president of projects at VEC in Girard, has been inducted as a Fellow into the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Academy of Contractors. He was honored during the annual NECA convention in San Diego, Calif. […]
It was an emotional moment for Amy and Matt Connelly to present the first-ever memorial scholarship in honor of their son to his lifelong friend. Adam Connelly, 21, passed away in November 2022 following a car accident. At the time, Adam was a second-year apprentice with IBEW Local 573. In his memory, the Connellys are […]
Droves of students flocked to the electrical exhibit at the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo on September 17-19. They were learning to bend conduit, testing out a virtual reality tool that walks them through various electrical tasks, talking with apprentices about basic wiring and what a career is like, as well as getting an up-close […]
Projects for the NECA-IBEW Electricians remain steady, but events like the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo are driving awareness about careers in the electrical industry. Since the first expo in 2019, apprenticeship applications have increased for IBEW Locals 64 and 573. “Before we started, until now, they’re up between 10-15 percent. It’s been a good […]
Professional creativity at the soon-to-be Ebert Animal Hospital in Boardman has been key for Mazzella Electric. The building, which sits on Route 224 across from St. Charles Church, used to be a nursing home and is now being renovated. Mazzella started electrical work in March 2024. Major repairs and changes were needed since it had […]
May is Electrical Safety Month, but preventing hazards is something everyone should pay attention to every day. Not doing so can result in serious injuries, fires and even death. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), there are about 51,000 electrical fires each year, which result in nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries […]
Grace Morrison doesn’t want or expect special treatment when it comes to her career. She wants to be known as a hard worker with a good attitude, determination and the willingness to learn. And with those qualities, she hopes to be a natural leader in the electrical trade. The 25-year-old is a third-year apprentice at […]
Pursuing a college degree can be costly. Learning a skilled trade, like becoming an electrician, allows young people to start a career right out of high school without accruing student debt. The below information leaves a comparison to ponder – apprenticeship or college? Costly college or apprenticeship earnings? In Ohio, the average cost to attend […]
Growing up on a farm in northern Trumbull County taught Karisten Blackshere about hard work and being hands-on. Now, in her first year in the electrician apprenticeship at the Warren JATC, she understands early mornings, sacrifices and persistence. However, it took thousands of miles and several life experiences to get there. Venture to Las Vegas […]