Tag Archives: hands-on







Apprentice shows students how to bend conduit at Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo

Skilled Trades Expo creates a surge of interest in the electrical industry


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 […]

Karisten Blackshere, a first-year apprentice, at the Warren JATC.

Local woman lands in electrician apprenticeship after Las Vegas journey


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 […]